Program Overview
The Port of Long Beach is committed to helping small businesses compete and succeed. Certification is free. Eligible businesses can become certified to increase their visibility and compete for Port contracting opportunities.
Program Highlights
Contract dollars spent over the last five years
Contract dollars spent last year
Percentage of contracts primed
Number of firms that received Port contract dollars last year
Number of certifications issued last year
Why Should I Get Certified?
Certification can help your business increase visibility and compete for contracting opportunities.
As a certified SBE or VSBE, your business can:
Last year, the Port awarded $54.4 million in contracts to certified SBEs and VSBEs. Over the past five years, small businesses have averaged 45% participation on eligible contracts, exceeding the Port’s annual 27% goal.
On-Demand
Hear from certified small businesses about their journey, experience working with the Port and advice for other small businesses.
Could my Business Qualify?
To receive SBE and/or VSBE status on Port contracts, businesses must hold a current certification through the Port of Long Beach or the California Department of General Services (DGS). The Port recognizes eligible DGS certifications for participation in its SBE/VSBE Program.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
The Port uses the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards to determine eligibility.
Whether your business qualifies depends on your:
Eligibility requirements vary by industry. For the SBA’s Table of Small Business Size Standards, please visit U.S. Small Business Administration Table of size standards.
Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE)
VSBE eligibility aligns with the State of California’s Microbusiness designation. Your business may qualify if:
Manufacturing Businesses
Most Service Businesses
Already DGS Certified?
The Port accepts current eligible Small Business and Microbusiness certifications from the California Department of General Services (DGS).
Businesses with a current DGS certification are encouraged to also apply for Port SBE/VSBE certification to be recognized as a Port-certified vendor and connect with Port contracting opportunities. Learn more about DGS certification.
Ready to Get Certified?
Getting certified is free and takes just a few simple steps.
Watch the Tutorial
Learn how to complete the certification process and submit your application.
Prepare Your Business Information
Have your employee count, annual receipts and NAICS code ready.
Create or Log In to PlanetBids Vendor Account
Access the PlanetBids Vendor Portal to create a new account or log in to your existing account. Once logged in, you’ll be ready to apply for certification.
Submit Your Certification Application
From your Vendor Profile, select Vendor Registration and then select the Small Business Certification tab to complete your application.
After you apply, the Port will review your application within five business days. If additional information is needed, we’ll contact you. Once the review process is complete, you’ll be notified of your certification status.
See Our Results
For more than 20 years, the SBE/VSBE Program has helped expand small business and very small business participation in Port contracts and procurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
To qualify as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), your business must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) definition of a small business. Eligibility is based on your industry (NAICS) code and either your average annual receipts or number of employees, depending on your industry.
Your business must also be organized as a legal business entity (such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or LLC), operate for profit, and meet applicable SBA requirements.
Yes. Independent contractors may qualify if they operate as a recognized business entity (such as a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC) and meet the SBA size standards and other eligibility requirements.
The Port's Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) designation aligns with the State of California's Microbusiness designation.
Your business may qualify if it is:
If you qualify, VSBE status is automatically assigned after your SBE certification is approved. No separate application is required.
The Port recognizes eligible Small Business and Microbusiness certifications issued by the California Department of General Services (DGS) for participation in the Port's SBE/VSBE Program.
Businesses with a current DGS certification are also encouraged to register as a vendor and apply for Port certification so they can be recognized as a Port-certified vendor and connect with Port contracting opportunities.
No. The SBE/VSBE Program is open to eligible businesses located anywhere in the United States. Businesses do not need to be located in Long Beach to qualify.
No. The Port's SBE/VSBE Program is a participation program. Certification helps increase your business' visibility and allows you to compete for contracting opportunities that include SBE/VSBE participation goals, but it does not guarantee contract awards or provide bid preferences or price reductions.
Certification applications are generally reviewed within five business days after all required information has been submitted. Once approved, the Port will email your certification letter to the main contact listed in your vendor profile.
Certifications are valid for 3 years. The Port will send an email reminder approximately 30 days before your certification expires. You can renew your certification by logging into your Vendor Portal account and selecting Re-apply in the Small Business Certification section of your profile.
Log in to the Vendor Portal, open your Vendor Profile, select the Small Business Certification tab, and choose Letter to download or print your current certification letter.
