City presents Equal Business Opportunity program update and bonding pilot to expand local contractor capacity

City staff and partner organizations briefed the commission Feb. 11 on the Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) suite of programs and a proposed pilot to increase bonding capacity for Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBEs).

Presenters explained program mechanics: MLBEs may qualify for bid discounts on construction (up to a 5% evaluated bid allowance to the prime contract when MLBEs participate as subcontractors) and a 3% automatic discount for goods and services procurements. Staff described certification requirements (12 months in operation or verified experience, Kent County business address, SBA‑based size thresholds and maximum owner net worth), and noted the city covers the initial certification fee but not recurring renewals.

City staff and partners said certified MLBEs grew more than 300% since 2018 after active recruitment and support; staff reported an average MLB participation across city capital projects around 15%. Commissioners and community partners pushed for more outreach, assistance with bookkeeping and CPA access, and a bonding pilot to help certified MLBEs move from subcontractor roles into prime contracting. The pilot would pair certified MLBEs with grant funds for accounting and bonding counsel, helping firms prepare financials and bid on larger contracts.

Ending: Staff and partners (including Urban League and Black Business Voices) said they will coordinate a schedule of workshops and outreach events and bring a more detailed bonding pilot proposal and funding plan to commission committees for approval.