From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County officials have officially rolled out the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program following approval by the Board of County Commissioners. The program is intended to help small businesses access county procurement opportunities and strengthen their long-term sustainability. Businesses can now apply for certification through a newly launched online portal.
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Orange County today announced the launch of its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program, with the application portal open for businesses seeking certification. This milestone marks an important step in the County's continued commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth across the community.
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Designed to expand opportunities for small businesses to participate in County contracting, Orange County's Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the development and implementation of the SBE Program on July 15, 2025. The SBE Ordinance is now in effect, with policies and procedures officially approved by the BCC on March 24, 2026.
"The launch of the SBE Program reflects Orange County's ongoing dedication to creating equitable access to contracting opportunities for small businesses," said Sheena Ferguson, Manager of the Business Development Division. "We are excited to open the application portal and begin welcoming businesses into this new program."
The SBE Program is designed to:
- Support the growth and sustainability of small businesses
- Increase participation in County procurement and contracting opportunities
- Promote a competitive and equitable local business environment
Small businesses interested in participating are encouraged to apply through the newly launched online portal. The SBE Ordinance, program guidelines, and application details are available at https://www.ocfl.net/VendorServices/SmallBusinessVendors.aspx.
For additional information about the SBE Program or assistance with the application process, please contact the Business Development Division at 407-836-7317.
Key Points:
- Orange County has launched its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program.
- The certification application portal is now open to eligible businesses.
- The program was approved by the Board of County Commissioners, with final policies adopted on March 24, 2026.
- The initiative aims to increase small business participation in county contracts.
- Resources, guidelines, and applications are available through the county’s vendor services website.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation's largest convention centers, and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net.
