Durham’s Small Local Business Enterprise Program Now Seeking Applicants

Durham small businesses are valued assets to the community and the City of Durham recognizes their important role.

Small business owners in Durham, Chatham, Orange, and Person counties seeking enhanced opportunities to obtain City of Durham contracts can now apply for certification through the new Small Local Business Enterprise Program.

The program is designed for small businesses that specialize in construction, architectural, engineering, and surveying services. Administered by the City’s Equal Opportunity and Equity Assurance Department, the program is for construction of up to $500,000 as well as professional services contracts of up to $100,000.

According to Deborah Giles, director of the City’s Equal Opportunity and Equity Assurance Department, the race-and-gender neutral program is designed to support local small businesses while enhancing the local tax base and providing employment opportunities. “We consider this to be a boost to our small businesses who are interested in City of Durham projects since only businesses that are certified through this program will receive advertisements and be eligible to bid on certain projects,” Giles said.

To apply for certification or for more information about the program, contact Deborah Giles, director of the City’s Equal Opportunity and Equity Assurance Department, at (919) 560-4180, ext. 17243 or by email.

About the Equal Opportunity & Equity Assurance Department
The City of Durham’s Equal Opportunity & Equity Assurance Department is responsible for the implementation of the City's Equal Business Opportunity Program. Responsibilities include implementation of race and gender neutral measures to facilitate the participation of Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (SDBE) in City contracting activity, recruitment, certification, and maintenance of SDBE data bank, business development, City project compliance, monitoring, and reporting. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department ensures that its services support making Durham a great place to live, work, and play by focusing on a strong and diverse economy, assuring that City efforts are well managed, and supporting the stewardship of the City’s physical assets. Click here to learn more.

Learn more about Durham at www.durham-nc.com.