Columbus, OH Launches New Small Regional Business Enterprise (SRBE) Certification Program

Deonna Barnett
23 hours ago
2 min read

The City of Columbus has announced the launch of its Small Regional Business Enterprise (SRBE) certification program, a new procurement initiative designed to expand contracting access for small, regionally based businesses. The program is a shift toward a race- and gender-neutral approach to small business participation while maintaining the City’s broader commitment to inclusive economic growth.

The SRBE certification is intended to increase opportunities for small businesses that operate within the Columbus region and meet defined size and location criteria. By formalizing this designation, the City aims to strengthen local supplier participation in City-funded contracts and ensure that public dollars generate measurable regional economic impact.

Unlike traditional certifications that are tied to ownership demographics, the SRBE program focuses on business size and regional presence. This structure aligns with evolving legal and policy standards affecting public-sector procurement while preserving the City’s ability to intentionally engage small businesses in contracting opportunities.

Certified SRBE firms may benefit from increased visibility in the City’s vendor system, targeted outreach, and the inclusion of SRBE participation goals or evaluation incentives in select solicitations. For small businesses that may not qualify for other certification categories, SRBE offers a meaningful entry point into City procurement.

Complementing Existing Certification Programs

The SRBE certification is designed to complement (not replace) the City’s existing certification programs, which include Minority-, Women-, Veteran-, Emerging-, and LGBT-owned business designations. Together, these programs support a diversified supplier ecosystem and provide multiple pathways for businesses to engage with City contracting opportunities.

By adding SRBE to its certification framework, the City broadens participation while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and legal precedent. This approach also supports departments seeking to balance inclusion goals with project delivery needs.

What This Means for Local Businesses

For small businesses operating in Central Ohio, the SRBE program presents an opportunity to:

Strengthen competitiveness for City of Columbus contracts
Gain earlier access to procurement opportunities and buyer engagement
Position the business for future growth through public-sector work

However, certification alone does not guarantee contract awards. Businesses must still demonstrate operational capacity, pricing discipline, compliance readiness, and experience aligned with City requirements. Firms pursuing SRBE certification should also invest in proposal readiness, financial documentation, and internal systems to compete effectively.

The City will provide guidance on eligibility requirements, documentation, and the application process through its Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Businesses interested in pursuing SRBE certification should monitor official City communications and prepare early to ensure timely and complete submissions.

The launch of the SRBE program reflects the City of Columbus’s continued efforts to modernize procurement practices while strengthening the local small business economy—creating new opportunities for regional firms to participate, compete, and grow through public contracting.

To position your business for contract opportunities with the City of Columbus, connect with Aventi Enterprises and schedule a call at www.aventienterprises.com.

To connect with the City of Columbus Office of Diversity & Inclusion, visit www.Columbus.gov/Diversity.

Download information about the SBRE program