The purpose of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Directory is to assist city departments in their efforts to identify minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. These directories are intended to serve as a reference source for other agencies and firms interested in the acquisition and utilization of minority and disadvantaged business products and services. The inclusion of a firm in either directory is for information purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any business contained therein.
How is the directory built?
Information contained in this directory is compiled from certification applications received from minority businesses (MBEs) within the local market area (Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson counties) and disadvantaged businesses (DBEs) from throughout the US Southeast and elsewhere.
What is a Minority Business?
A minority business is a business located within the City of Tallahassee's local market area and which is owned and controlled (51%) by one or more minority persons, or by one or more women, and whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more minority persons or by one or more women.
What is a Disadvantaged Business?
A disadvantaged business is a business that is owned and controlled (51%) by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. "Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals" means those individuals who are citizens of the United States (or lawfully admitted permanent residents) and who are women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, or Asian-Indian Americans and any other minorities or individuals certified as disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. (15 USC 637) (link)
For more information or to apply for the DBE program, please see the Uniform Certification Application.
Does a business need to be located in Tallahassee or Leon County to be included in the MBE or DBE Directory?
The Tallahassee City Commission approved revisions to the MBE Policy necessitated by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in City of Richmond vs. J.A. Croson, 488 U.S. 469 (1989), and the findings in the City of Tallahassee's MBE Disparity Fact-Finding Study. Consequently, only minority businesses located within the local market area (which encompasses the following Florida counties: Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, and Jefferson) are eligible for MBE participation credit on City of Tallahassee contracts.
Minority businesses located outside the local market area (Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, and Jefferson counties) are eligible for participation as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) on City of Tallahassee projects utilizing Federal dollars. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 850-219-1080 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
How can I make corrections to information in the directory or add my business to the directory?
The City of Tallahassee Minority Business Enterprise Office maintains this certification listing. Please contact the MBE Office if you have any questions at 850-219-1080.
Contact us to make corrections or apply for certification as a certified MBE or DBE vendor.
Please note: Certifications are valid for one (1) year only and must be renewed annually.
The inclusion of a firm in either directory is for information purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any business contained herein.