Get SBE Certified!

Check-out our SBE Get Certified Brochure!

The City of Charleston has established goals for the utilization of small businesses. 

Certification Benefits Include:

• Official validation of SBE status
• Participation in official SBE contracting opportunities that require certification.
  1. Access to City of Charleston Procurement, Stormwater Management, and Capital Projects contracts through BIDLINE: www.charleston-sc.gov/BIDLINE 
  2. Register as a City of Charleston vendor: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/130/Procurement-Division
• Inclusion in the City’s public SBE Database
• Marketing opportunities through the City’s SBE Spotlight program
• Training and business development
• Technical assistance
• Direct referrals to local business experts & other diversity programs

Who Qualifies:

Small Businesses:  This individual must actively oversee the daily operations of the business and control a majority (51% or greater) ownership stake.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States and have owned the business for at least one (1) full year. The gross revenue of the business concerned must not exceed $7.5 million. The personal net worth of the applicant cannot exceed $1.32 million, excluding the value of their primary residence and the business they are applying to have certified.

*Out of State Businesses: Businesses applying from outside the state of South Carolina must submit documentation of reciprocal certification through an official local, state, or federal program (ex. State DOT, SCDOT, SBA, State/Local SBE). The SBE Manager will determine if the reciprocal certification meets the City of Charleston’s requirements.

How To Apply:

• Download and complete the fillable SBE Certification Application 
  1. This application must be signed and notarized
• Attach the following documentation:
  1. Copies of signed Federal Tax returns showing gross business receipts for the last two years (unless you have only been in business for one year)
  2. Copy of any current applicable business license(s) and certifications
  3. Copy of owner’s current ID, front and back (i.e., driver’s license, ID card)
  4. Copy of a current deed, rental, or lease agreement showing business address
  5. Copies of organizational documents filed with Secretary of State (if applicable)
  6. Current reciprocal local, state, Department of Transportation, or Federal certification
     • This is required for applicants outside the state of South Carolina
     • Reciprocal certification may expedite the certification process for in-state applicants

• Email the completed application and all attachments to mwbe@charleston-sc.gov or mail to the city's SBE Office.

SBE Re-Certification 

Renewal will be for 2 years upon review and verification of the above information.

• Complete SBE Certification Application (check "Recertification" box)
• Provide 2 years of business Income Taxes (signed 1st and last pages only and K-1/K-2, M-1/M-2 or schedule “C” forms)
  1. The documentation you submit must show gross business receipts and ownership information for both years
• Attach a copy of Expired Certification
• Photo ID, front and back
• Proof of business address: current Lease/rental agreement, mortgage statement or deed 
• Current Business License (if applicable)

Out of State Companies

If you are an out of state company looking to do business with the City of Charleston and be placed in our database of SBEs, you MUST:

1. Submit documentation of reciprocal certification through national, state, or your local government (ex. State DOT, SBA, State SBE, etc.)
   • The MWBE Manager will determine if the reciprocal certification meets the City of Charleston’s requirements.
2. Meet all the SBE Certification requirements:  income, at least one (1) year in business, etc.
3. Complete the City of Charleston’s SBE Certification Application and provide all required documents.

*Check out our Why Be SBE Certified? PPT Guide in Spanish! Please note some requirements have changed since this presentation was recorded.