Business Enterprise Hub

Business Enterprise Hub is sponsored by City of Dallas. Provides resources and support for local and small businesses, including contract compliance, training, and access to growth opportunities.

Provides resources and support for local and small businesses, with help in contract compliance, training, and access to growth opportunities. The Developing Regional Inclusive Vendor Enterprises (DRIVE) Policy is the City of Dallas's framework for promoting equitable participation of small, local businesses in City contracting. DRIVE reflects the City's commitment to inclusive economic growth across all procurement categories.

The policy applies to City contracts over $100,000 across goods, construction, architecture & engineering, professional services, and general services — with a focus on creating meaningful subcontracting opportunities for certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). Participation goals are informed by a Market Utilization Study and set by contract category, ranging from 30% to 38% SBE involvement depending on the type of work.

For prime contractors, DRIVE establishes clear expectations around good faith efforts, subcontractor reporting, and prompt payment. For small business owners, it opens the door to a broader range of City contracts, backed by capacity-building programs like the First Look Program, the Dallas Accelerator Program, and access to bonding and technical assistance.

Effective Date: March 1, 2026 Download DRIVE Policy (PDF) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) When does the DRIVE Policy take effect? The DRIVE Policy was adopted by City Council on December 10, 2025, and became effective January 1, 2026. All competitively solicited contracts issued after March 1, 2026, will include DRIVE requirements when applicable.

Is certification required to bid? No. Certification is not required to submit a bid or proposal. However, only certified SBEs will receive DRIVE participation credit or evaluation points where applicable.

How do I determine if my business is located within the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)? To determine whether your business is located within the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington MSA, you should verify the physical address associated with your business registration.

The Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington MSA is defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and includes the following counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise. If your business’s primary office or headquarters is physically located within one of these counties, it is considered to be within the DFW-Arlington MSA.

Download DRIVE Policy FAQs (PDF) Preview the forms used in the DRIVE Program below. These documents are provided for reference only.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Affidavit Schedule of Work and Actual Payment Local Participation & Workforce Impact SBE Utilization Plan & Commitment to Local Economic Impact Engagement Score & Past Commitment SBE Good Faith Effort Documentation Prime Self Performance Declaration Please Note: Detailed requirements, instructions, and submission guidelines are included in the official solicitation documents.

Always refer to the solicitation for complete and binding information. To participate in the DRIVE Program, your business must meet all four eligibility requirements outlined in the DRIVE Policy Your firm must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration size standards for your industry's NAICS code. Your firm's principal office must be physically located within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

Your firm must be independently owned and operated — not a subsidiary or affiliate of a larger company in a way that would artificially qualify the business. Commercially Useful Function Your firm must perform a genuine, distinct role on the contract — not act as a pass-through, broker, or conduit solely to receive SBE credit.

To count toward the SBE goal, vendors must hold SBE certification from at least one of the following agencies: Dallas-Fort Worth Business Council (DFW BC) Women's Business Council Southwest (WBC SW) North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) U.S. Small Business Admnistration Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Ready to apply?

Visit each agency's certification page directly: Apply via Texas Comptroller The Business Enterprise Hub connects local businesses with training programs, community partnerships, and City economic development resources to help them grow and compete for City contracts. Office of Economic Development The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development offers has a variety of funding programs to assist small businesses in Dallas.

Small Business Assistance Program South Dallas Fair Park Opportunity Fund Neighborhood Empowerment Zones Visit Office of Economic Development Questions? Contact the Business Enterprise Hub Our team is here to help businesses navigate DRIVE Policy requirements, certifications, compliance reporting, and contracting opportunities with the City of Dallas.