Office of Business Opportunity
Certification Overview
Statement from OBO Director Cylenthia Hoyrd on Houston’s Continued Commitment to Small Business Equity
For Immediate Release: October 31, 2025
HOUSTON – The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) is aware of the recent developments affecting small business programs at both the federal and state levels. The purpose of this statement is to update our stakeholders on how these changes affect the City of Houston's initiatives and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting all Houston small business owners.
Update on MWSBE Certification Pause
As announced on September 26, 2025, the City of Houston temporarily paused the acceptance of new applications for our Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certifications. This pause is in effect until December 1, 2025, and does not affect existing certifications. We undertook this action to perform important system upgrades that will enhance efficiency, improve accountability, and streamline turnaround times for our local certification processes. The improvements will allow us to better serve the small business community in the future.
Response to the USDOT IFR
On October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that immediately changed the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs. This IFR removes the race- and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage and requires all firms to demonstrate individualized social and economic disadvantage.
The City of Houston is fully reviewing this new rule and its impact on our federal contracting efforts. We have paused the acceptance of new DBE/ACDBE applications and recertifications to ensure we are in compliance. We are committed to working closely with our federal partners to navigate these changes and will provide timely updates to our certified firms regarding the new reevaluation and certification process.
Clarification on the Texas HUB Program
On October 28, 2025, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts announced the suspension of new and renewed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certifications for state procurement. The Comptroller’s office has cited the need to ensure compliance with recent legal and executive order directives regarding race- and sex-based preferences.
It is important to emphasize that this state-level change does not directly impact the City of Houston's local MWSBE program for municipal contracting. While the HUB pause affects businesses seeking state contracts, the City's local certification program, and related municipal procurement opportunities, are separate. However, we are proactively assessing the statewide landscape and the potential long-term effects of these decisions.
Commitment to Access and Inclusion
The OBO is aware that these programmatic changes and legal challenges at the state and federal levels can cause uncertainty. We want to be clear: the City of Houston remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable business environment.
- We believe in opportunities for all. The City will continue to champion access and inclusion for all small business owners, ensuring every firm has a fair shot at competing for municipal contracts.
- We will provide support and resources. We are expanding our efforts to assist all small businesses, regardless of certification status, through capacity-building, education, and mentorship.
- We will stay connected. OBO will host a series of workshops and listening sessions to keep our business community informed of the evolving legal landscape and our path forward.
I encourage all our stakeholders to remain engaged and visit the OBO website for the latest updates. The Office of Business Opportunity is here to serve you, and we will continue our vital work of strengthening Houston's small business ecosystem for the benefit of all.
Contact: Brandon Jones, Brandon.Jones2@houstontx.gov, 832-627-3875
Support and Contact Information
For questions or additional guidance, please contact the OBO Certification Hotline at (832) 393-0600 (press option 1).
City of Houston
Office of Business Opportunity
The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) certifies the following types of businesses through the City of Houston’s local certification program:
- Minority Business Enterprises (MBE)
- Women Business Enterprises (WBE)
- Small Business Enterprises (SBE)
- Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprises (PDBE)
OBO certifies the following types of businesses on behalf of the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT):
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
Local and USDOT Certification applications must be submitted online via the following link: Apply for MWSBE, PDBE, DBE, and ACDBE Certifications. Status updates will be provided to all applicants via the online portal during the review process. If approved, the applicant may access the approval letter and certificate via the portal.
Our dedicated certification team validates eligibility of firms applying for M/W/SBE, PDBE, DBE, and/or ACDBE certification. You may contact our certification team via email at obocertification@houstontx.gov or via telephone at 832.393.0600 (Option 1) should you have any questions.
LGBTBE Certification
The City of Houston Certified Firm Directory includes LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) through the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI). To apply for the LGBTBE certification application, visit the NGLCC's website.
- General information on types of certification (.pdf, updated September 2021)
Pre-Certification Workshops (On-demand and Live Virtual Options)
Prospective certification applicants are encouraged to watch the on-demand Pre-Certification Workshop. This workshop will provide an overview on each certification type, requirements, and procedures to guide business owners through the application process and discuss the benefits of certification. Alternatively, the Certification team hosts live virtual Pre-Certification Workshops every first and third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. You can register for the live virtual workshop here.
MWSBE/PDBE/ACDBE/DBE Certification Capabilities Expansion Request for Currently Certified Firms
Has your firm expanded to perform work in areas that are not included in your current MWSBE/PDBE/ACDBE/DBE certification profile? If so, you may request to expand your certification approval to include those additional work areas by completing and submitting the MWSBE/PDBE/ACDBE/DBE Expansion of Certification Capability Request Form located at the following link: https://houston.mwdbe.com/?TN=houston.
Certification Updates
Local certifications (MWSBE and PDBE) are valid for three calendar years from the date of initial certification. However, you must update your ACDBE/DBE certification annually in order to continue in the program. OBO will notify you, via electronic communication, about required updates.
Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)
Contingent on MBE and/or WBE certification approval, you may also be eligible for State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification based on ethnicity, U.S. Citizenship, Texas residency and principal place of business. You must indicate that you wish to be considered for HUB certification when submitting your MBE and/or WBE application. Additional information on State of Texas Website regarding Certification agreement with the City of Houston: HUB Certification Agreements. Please note: HUB certificates are issued directly by the State of Texas.
Contact Information
Vanessa Aplon-Letson
Certification & Designations Division Manager
611 Walker Street, 7th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.0605
Email: vanessa.aplon@houstontx.gov
For General Information
Phone: 832.393.0600 (Option 1)
Email: General Inquiries: obocertification@houstontx.gov
Email: Certification Renewals: obocertificationrenewals@houstontx.gov
Contact OBO
611 Walker Street, Seventh Floor
Houston, TX 77002
OBO Director
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