Get certified. Get seen. Get contract opportunities.

We help businesses navigate local and federal certification programs so they can compete in public procurement.

Which certification fits you?

Local agencies look for SMWVBE. Federal and transportation work looks for DBE or ACDBE. Many businesses hold both.

Local

SMWVBE

Through the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency

For selling to the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, CPS Energy, SAWS, VIA, and other local partners.

Cost

Free in our 16 counties

Timeline

14 to 30 days

Federal

DBE and ACDBE

Through the Texas Department of Transportation

For transportation contracts, airport concessions, and federally funded projects.

Cost

No fee

Review

Federal eligibility

Why certification matters

Buyers look for certified vendors first

Without certification, you may be

  • Invisible to procurement teams
  • Missing out on goal-driven contracts
  • Overlooked for subcontracting opportunities

With certification, you gain

  • Access to supplier diversity programs
  • Increased credibility with agencies
  • Eligibility for set-aside and tracked contracts
  • Visibility in the vendor databases buyers use
Local certifications

SMWVBE

Through the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency

Programs

  • Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
  • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
  • Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
  • Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
  • Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE)
  • Disadvantaged Individual Business Enterprise (DIBE)
  • Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE)
  • Native American Business Enterprise (NABE)
  • Asian Business Enterprise (ABE)
  • African American Business Enterprise (AABE)

Best for

  • Compete for local government and utility contracts
  • Increase visibility with local buyers and procurement teams
  • Access certification-based contracting opportunities
  • Participate in supplier diversity programs
  • Grow relationships with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, CPS Energy, SAWS, VIA, and other local partners

What to expect

  • Online application submission
  • Business ownership and control review
  • Financial and business documentation requirements
  • Personal Net Worth (PNW) review, for applicable certifications
  • Review and approval
Map of Texas with the 16 counties in the SMWVBE certification jurisdiction highlighted around San Antonio
Where local certification applies

16 counties around San Antonio

Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Frio, Goliad, Guadalupe, Hays, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, Uvalde, and Wilson.

Federal certifications

DBE and ACDBE

Through the Texas Department of Transportation

Programs

  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
  • Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)

Best for

  • Transportation contracts
  • Airport concessions
  • Federally funded projects

What to expect

  • A more detailed eligibility review
  • Personal Net Worth (PNW) thresholds
  • Federal compliance requirements
How to apply

Four steps to certification

01

Gather your documents

Start with the certification checklist so nothing is missing when you apply.

02

Read the application guide

A walkthrough of the SMWVBE and DBE applications, step by step.

03

Apply online

Submit your application through the certification portal.

04

Review and approval

Ownership, control, and financial eligibility are reviewed. Local applications take 14 to 30 days when complete.

Policy updates

What changed, newest first

February 9, 2026

Reapplication waiting period adjustment

February 9, 2026

Personal Net Worth requirement extended to new local certifications

January 1, 2026

Procedures for certification denials and appeals

April 15, 2025

Update to certification policy

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need to be certified to get contracts?

No, but many agencies have goals and programs that prioritize certified vendors.

How long does certification take?

Between 14 and 30 days for local SMWVBE applications, if all documentation is submitted and complete.

Is certification guaranteed?

No. Approval depends on ownership and control, financial eligibility (a Personal Net Worth statement is reviewed for both local SMWVBE and DBE/ACDBE, and the current cap is $2.047 million), complete and accurate documentation, and business size standards under the North American Industry Classification System.

Can I apply for multiple certifications?

Yes, and in many cases it is strategic to do so.

What if I don’t qualify yet?

Book a call with us to understand how you can get qualified.

Does it cost money to get certified?

SMWVBE certification is free for firms located in our 16 counties. Firms outside the jurisdiction pay a one-time fee of $350, then $150 when renewing after the first four years. There is no fee for DBE/ACDBE certification.

Not sure which one you need?

Book a call with a certification specialist and we will point you to the right program.

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Certification help, document prep, and events

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