As a business owner who wants to do business with the City of Cleveland, how can I find more information on meeting the requirements of the Office of Equal Opportunity?

The Office provides presentations for interested contractors that last about one hour. You can call 216.664.4152 for the schedule or to register for a presentation.

What is an Affirmative Action Plan?

This is a document that reflects an employer’s structure, policies, and practices related to status, hiring and recruitment of employees. In particular, it describes activities or plans for attracting minorities and females as employees.

Can a business be certified by the City as both a minority business enterprise and a small business?

Yes, a business can actually be certified in three classifications, Minority, Female, and/or Small depending upon the criteria it meets.

How long does it take for a business to receive minority or small business certification from the City?

Most applications are processed in less than 30 days after all requested documentation is provided.

How will the City's new small/local business program impact the MBE/FBE programs?

The new program will be superseded by provisions for increasing MBE and FBE contracting whenever measured inequality is noted in City contracting.

What size should a business be in order to be considered for certification as a small/local business by the City,?

The certification will initially follow the size requirements for the Small Business Administration which is summarized for workforce or gross revenues as follows:

• 500 employees for manufacturing or 100 for wholesale trade industries
• $6 million in gross revenues for retail and service industries
• 28.5 million for most general and heavy construction industries
• $12 million for special trade contractors
• $0.75 million for agriculture industries
• $4 million for architectural/engineering firms
• $6 million for law firms and consultants

These limits can be adjusted as program objectives and analysis continues.

What is the Office of Equal Opportunity certification program's "Cleveland Market Area"?

Cleveland’s market area is Cuyahoga County.

What are the requirements to become certified as a minority or female owned company?

The business must be:

• ready, willing and able to perform work in the area it seeks certification
• located in the Cleveland market area
• owned and controlled at least 51% by a minority or female

Registration information can be found here.

How can I find businesses that are certified by the city as being local, minority or female-owned?

Ask the business if you can see a copy of their certificate, or search the registry here.