What is EBE Certification?
EBE = Emerging Business Enterprise
The City of Wichita Emerging Business Enterprise, or EBE, certification is a race-neutral, small business preference program.
The intent of the certification program is to provide increased access for small and emerging businesses to City purchasing opportunities.
Get your business EBE-Certified
Submitting an application takes just a few minutes.
Benefits of EBE Certification
Net 10 Payment Terms
The City of Wichita's general payment terms to vendors is net 30 days. City staff strive to pay all EBE Certified Businesses within net 10 days on City purchase orders and contracts for goods and services rendered. Providing this short payment term helps maintain cash flow to better manage and grow the business.
Receive a 5% Bonus in RFP Evaluations
The City of Wichita utilizes Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional services. The RFP process utilizes evaluation criteria that puts an emphasis on qualifications, skills, expertise, experience, work schedule and price. Emerging and Disadvantaged Businesses participation and/or Subcontracting/Joint Ventures will receive a minimum of 5% of the scoring on all City RFP evaluation criteria. Proposals utilizing federal funds have separate rules for DBE participation.
Be Listed in the City's EBE Directory
EBE certified businesses will be listed on the city website in a directory.
EBE Certification Overview
Which businesses are eligible to become EBE-Certified?
To be eligible for EBE Certification, a business must:
- Have been in business for at least 6 months
- Be independently owned and operated
- Meet the City's definition for a small business
How long can a business be EBE-Certified?
EBE certification is valid for 3 years.
About the EBE Certification Program
The City of Wichita is committed to ensuring equal opportunity, promoting diversity, and enhancing economic opportunities for Emerging and Disadvantaged businesses. The Vision is to enhance opportunities for qualified Emerging and Disadvantaged businesses by increasing their representation and utilization (measured by the number of dollars spent) in the competitive base of contractors from which the City regularly purchases goods and services and ensure that all suppliers have equal access to the City’s purchasing opportunities.