Small Business Certification

The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification allows Denver area small businesses to compete for construction-related and a wide range of goods and services being procured by the City and County of Denver. It is race- and gender-neutral.

Business Size: The applicable size standard shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the SBA size standards based on the gross annual receipts averaged over five (5) years or the average of employees over twelve (12) months based on the SBA standards for the specific NAICS code(s).

Time in Business: You must actively be in business for six months.

Personal Net Worth: Each individual owner of a business enterprise whose ownership and control is relied upon for certification must be equal to or less than the permissible personal net worth amount determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, excluding equity in primary residence and ownership interest in applicant’s business enterprise. 

Work Type: Construction-related and a wide range of goods and services.

Fee $200 non-refundable application fee.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification affords small businesses who meet the definition of disadvantaged an improved opportunity to compete for contracts. It is race- and gender-conscious. 

Business Size: As of April 1, 2026, your annual revenues must not exceed an overall cap of $32.82 million, averaged over three years. A DBE firm must still meet the size standard(s) appropriate to the type(s) of work the firm seeks to perform. These standards vary by industry according to the NAICS codes(s) defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). 

Eligibility: A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or DBE is a for-profit small business concern engaged in business activities:

• This is at least 51% owned by one or mor individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged; and
• Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.
• Are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States

Time in Business: You must actively be in business for at least one day, i.e., your trade name is registered with the State of Colorado.

Personal Net Worth: Each individual owner of a business enterprise whose ownership and control is relied upon for certification must be equal to or less than the permissible personal net worth amount determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, excluding equity in primary residence and ownership interest in applicant’s business enterprise. More detail on eligibility requirements.

Work Type: A commercially useful function.

Fee: No application fee or administrative charge.

The Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) certification allows Denver area emerging businesses to compete with other emerging businesses on specific construction and professional services projects. It is available to firms already certified as MBE/SBE/SBEC/WBE, and it is race- and gender-neutral.

Business Size: For Construction firms, your annual revenues must not exceed $3 million averaged over five (5) years (for Professional Services, must not exceed $1 million).

Time in Business: You must actively be in business for at least six months.

Personal Net Worth: Each individual owner of a business enterprise whose ownership and control is relied upon for certification must be equal to or less than the permissible personal net worth amount determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, excluding equity in primary residence and ownership interest in applicant’s business enterprise. 

Work Type: Construction or Professional-Services related.

Fee: $200 non-refundable application fee, or a $50 non-refundable renewal application fee. 

The Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification affords small businesses the opportunity to compete for contracts. It is race- and gender-conscious. 

Business Size: The applicable size standard shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the SBA size standards based on the gross annual receipts averaged over five (5) years or the average of employees over twelve (12) months based on the SBA standards for the specific NAICS code(s).

Ownership: At least 51% of your company ownership must be members of economically and socially disadvantaged groups (Women, Hispanic, Asian, Black, Native American).

Time in Business: You must actively be in business for six months.

Personal Net Worth: Each individual owner of a business enterprise whose ownership and control is relied upon for certification must be equal to or less than the permissible personal net worth amount determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, excluding equity in primary residence and ownership interest in applicant’s business enterprise. 

Work Type: Construction-related and some covered goods and services.

Fee: $200 non-refundable application fee, or a $50 non-refundable renewal application fee.

The Small Business Enterprise Concessionaire (SBEC) certification allows qualified Denver area small businesses an improved opportunity to compete as a Concessionaire. It is race- and gender-neutral.

Business Size: Your annual revenues for food, beverage and retail must not exceed the SBA Size Standard, averaged over five years

Time in Business: You must actively be in business for six months.

Personal Net Worth: Each individual owner of a business enterprise whose ownership and control is relied upon for certification must be equal to or less than the permissible personal net worth amount determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, excluding equity in primary residence and ownership interest in applicant’s business enterprise. 

Work Type: Concessionaire.

Fee: $200 non-refundable application fee, or a $50 non-refundable renewal application fee.

The Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)  certification affords small business the opportunity to compete for concessions contracts, either as an operator or supplier, at Denver International Airport as well as other airports receiving federal funding throughout Colorado. It is race- and gender-conscious. 

Business Size: Your annual revenues must not exceed an overall cap of $56.42 million. The standards for banks, telecommunications companies, and rental car companies are based on the number of employees.

Ownership: At least 51% of your company ownership must be members of economically and socially disadvantaged groups (Women, Hispanic, Asian, Black, Native American).

Time in Business: You must actively be in business for at least one day, i.e., your trade name is registered with the State of Colorado.

Personal Net Worth (PNW): Each individual owner of a business enterprise whose ownership and control is relied upon for certification must be equal to or less than the permissible personal new worth amount determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, excluding equity in primary residence and ownership interest in applicant's business enterprise.  More detail on eligibility requirements. 

Work Type: Concessionaire, or provides goods and services to concessionaire(s).

Fee: No application fee or administrative charge.

ACDBE certification applications (New, Interstate, and Annual No Change Affidavits) are processed by the Denver International Airport (DEN) Commerce Hub. If you have any questions about the ACDBE certification process or submitting your application, please email the certification team at DEN-ACDBE@flydenver.com.