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Small Business Program

Letter from Caltrans Director Will Kempton regarding the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Every year, the State of California contracts with bu | sinesses for construction needs, miscellaneous goods, and a variety of services. The State's Small Business Program helps small businesses compete more effectively for a portion of those dollars. Don't let this opportunity pass your business by.

Benefits of Certification

As a Certified Small Business or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, you: Qualify for a 5% bid preference on applicable state contracts.
Are eligible for benefits under the Prompt Payment Act, including Higher interest penalties for late, undisputed invoice payments. Caltrans is committed to making payment 45 calendar days following the date upon which a properly submitted, undisputed invoice is received.

Are listed in the State's Internet Certified Firm Listing, giving your business more visibility and expanded business networking opportunities. There are no fees for getting your business certified!

Small Business Certification Requirements

To be eligible for Small Business (SB) Certification, your business:
bullet Must be independently owned and operated;
bullet Cannot be dominant in its field of operations;
bullet Must have its principal office located in California;
bullet Must have its owners (or officers in the case of a corporation) domiciled in California;
bullet Together with affiliates , be either:
spacera) A business with 100 or fewer employees, and average annual gross receipts of $10 million or less over the previous three tax years, or
spacerb ) A manufacturer with 100 or fewer employees.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise - Certification Requirements

To be eligible for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification, your business:
bullet Must be at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans;
bullet Daily business operations must be managed and controlled by one or more disabled veterans;
bullet The home office must be located in the United States;
bullet Owner must be a California resident.

A disabled veteran is a veteran of the United States military, naval, or air services; has a service-connected disability of at least 10% or more.