Eligibility and certification

Learn how your business can become SUBP-eligible or other programs such as U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3.

If you want your business to be eligible to count towards Small and Underutilized Business Program (SUBP) inclusion goals on larger City contracts, you must first receive certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (e.g. woman or BIPOC owned firms). Only certified firms count towards SUBP compliance goals and will be promoted for that purpose by the City.

The Minnesota Unified Certification Program (MnUCP) certifies businesses as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. You can learn more about the certification process and requirements, and start your DBE application, on the MnUCP website.

If you need assistance completing the application, we have a list of small business technical assistant consultants who can help you for free.

See the list of business consultants

Equity and inclusion programs for smaller contracts

To learn more about City spending with smaller firms on smaller City contracts (under $175,000 - too small to qualify for the SUBP program), or to participate, click on the link below.

Target Market Program

U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3

Certain housing construction projects receive HUD financial assistance to promote subcontracting inclusion based on income and worker inclusion based on residency. Developer recipients of Section 3 funding must provide job training, employment, and contracting opportunities to qualifying residents for projects and activities in their neighborhoods. The program is race and gender neutral.

The Contract Compliance Division certifies businesses and residents for Section 3 status.

Download Business Application for Section 3

Download Resident Application for Section 3