Question 1

What is the purpose of the County’s SBE program?

Accepted Answer

Hillsborough County’s Small Business Encouragement (SBE) program aims to provide full opportunity for small businesses to participate in the County’s procurement process, including construction, contractual services, professional consulting services, and commodities.

Question 2

What is the cost to apply for SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge to apply.

Question 3

What is the processing time for SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

The processing time is generally 30 days from the date the application and all required documentation have been received.

Question 4

How long is the County's SBE registration valid?

Accepted Answer

The SBE registration is valid for three years (36 months) from the date of approval.

Question 5

How and when does a business apply for renewal of their SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

Applying for and renewing SBE registration is free and easy to do online. We’ll send the business an email reminder 60 days before the registration expires, followed by a second reminder 30 days before the expiration date. Businesses must ensure that our office has a current email address on file. To avoid any delays, businesses should submit their renewal at least two weeks before the expiration date to allow enough time for processing.

Question 6

Should I apply for an SBE registration if my business provides products or services which might not be purchased by Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are encouraged to apply because SBE registration may provide access to opportunities with other government agencies and/or private companies. Additional benefits include being eligible to attend our trainings and your business listed in the SBE Online Directory.

Question 7

Must a business have an SBE registration to do business with Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

No. Any business may register as a vendor in the County’s Procurement Services Department’s online vendor portal to do business with Hillsborough County. SBE registration allows your business to participate in the SBE programs.

Question 8

If my business is registered as a Hillsborough County vendor, is it automatically registered as a small business?

Accepted Answer

No. Registration in Hillsborough County’s online vendor portal is the first step in seeking an SBE registration. After which, you must submit the online application for SBE registration for review of eligibility and determination of approval.

Question 9

How do I register as a vendor with Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

You can register your business as a vendor with Hillsborough County in the County’s online vendor portal.

Once registered, your business will be able to:

Receive email notifications of relevant bid opportunities
Download bid/solicitation documents
View document takers list (list of vendors who have accessed specific solicitations, specifications and documents)
Submit bids online, and 5) participate in online discussions

Question 10

May I use the Hillsborough County logo on my website or publications to signify my Hillsborough County SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

No. The service-marked Hillsborough County logo cannot be used to promote any outside entity. You may use your County-issued certificate to show your SBE registration.

Question 11

Do you offer business training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer various trainings throughout the year to increase registered business knowledge of County contracting and ways to leverage (or maximize) their SBE registration. Upcoming events and programs are available on the Vendor Compliance System website under the “View Outreach Opportunities” tab. Additional resources, including confidential no-cost consulting and professional training, are available through the Florida Small Business Development Center at Hillsborough County.

Question 12

Does Hillsborough County have a race-neutral business encouragement program?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Encouragement Program provides full opportunity for small businesses to participate in the County’s procurement programs. The program includes targeted consideration on Hillsborough County projects, such as SBE Set-Aside contracts. The Eligibility Requirements and Documentation section of this page provides details about eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.

Question 13

What is an SBE Set-Aside?

Accepted Answer

An SBE Set-Aside is used to reserve certain contracts exclusively for registered Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). “Set-aside" means only registered SBE’s are allowed to compete for those specific contracts, larger businesses are excluded.

Question 14

What are the SBE registration eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

Business has been organized under the laws of the State of Florida for a period of at least six months
Principally domiciled in Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, or Hernando County for a period of at least six months
Is independently owned and operated
Employs 50 or fewer permanent full-time employees
Whose gross annual sales does not exceed $8,000,000 for professional consultant services, contractual services, or commodities, and $12,000,000 for construction averaged over the previous three-year period
Serves a commercially useful business function. Subsidiaries, and affiliates are not eligible for the SBE Program
Service-Disabled Veteran Businesses

Question 15

What are the SBE registration mandatory application documents?

Accepted Answer

Application Affidavit - Download, sign, notarize, and upload
Proof that the business is currently principally domiciled in Hillsborough County and that the business has been principally domiciled in Hillsborough County for a period of at least six months (for example, business tax receipts, utility bills, lease/rental agreements, property tax receipts, etc.)
Licenses to do business in Florida - i.e. Business Tax/Occupational, professional, trade/permit, specialty, DBPR, etc. If you want to perform construction-related work or operate a construction-related business, you must have a contractor’s license.
Proof of Florida residency for all owners - Provide Voter I.D. or Property Tax Exemption Certificate
Complete current resume showing education, training, and employment experience with dates for all owners
Screen shot of current iSupplier registration with Hillsborough County
Last three years of your business’s federal tax returns, including all schedules and attachments. If less than three years in business, provide returns for years filed.
Provide official documentation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and/or the United States Department of Defense as proof of the Business owner’s service-connected disability and/or termination from military service for reason(s) of disability

Question 16

What are the other required documents for SBE registration, when applicable?

Accepted Answer

Affidavit of No Employees - This document is required if the firm has no employees. Download, sign, notarize, and upload
Employer’s Quarterly Wage report for last eight quarters or recent payroll for permanent, full-time employees. Include owners and officers. If none, complete and submit the Affidavit of No Employees.
Proof of service-connected disability of all persons
Additional supporting documents not listed above

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