Get Small Business Certified

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Do you own a small business? The city’s small business certification program supports small business enterprises with a pathway to city contracting opportunities, networking with other businesses and city departments, and education on how to grow and expand businesses to ensure all are ready to compete. The city is investing in its mobility future with $25.5B in voter-approved transit and roadway projects over 30 years across Mecklenburg County. Now is the time for small businesses to become certified and enter the pipeline of businesses that are ready and able to compete for upcoming mobility project contracts.

Benefits of Certification

Receive information about city contracting opportunities.

Have opportunities to network with other businesses and city departments.

Receive education opportunities on how to grow and expand your business.

Be recognized with a certified small business sticker.

 

Requirements for Small Businesses

A full list of requirements is in our small business enterprise application.

Some key highlights include:

  • The business must have significant business presence in the Charlotte area. This includes Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties in North Carolina as well as Chester, Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina.
  • At least 51 % of the applicant business must be owned by one or more “eligible owners” who’s personal net worth is under $750,000. More requirements are listed in the application.
  • Must be licensed and for profit.
  • The annual sales receipts and the number of employees of the applicant business, combined with all affiliates, cannot exceed one fourth the applicable size standards established by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the SBEs primary business. You can access the SBA’s online Table of Small Business Size Standards.

Get Started

  1. The first step to certification is registering as a supplier with the city. Visit the Supplier Registration page for more information.
  2. Fill out the small business enterprise application online.

Have more questions? Visit our frequently asked questions.

Resources

The city is here to help you succeed and build your business. Here are some other resources the city has available:

Business Resources Supplier Registration Business Recruitment Doing Business with the City

Program Update: Pursuant to North Carolina Session Law 2026-41, local government Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification and associated goal setting have been discontinued. As a result, the City of Charlotte now administers a race and gender-neutral Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification program. Businesses that meet the City's eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for SBE certification. Certified SBEs may become eligible for opportunities available through the City's Charlotte Business Inclusion (CBI) Program and can participate in contracting opportunities where SBE participation is encouraged or required.

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