The City of Fort Wayne encourages the participation of minority, women owned and emerging business enterprises in City construction contracts to create jobs and opportunities for citizens of this community. In addition to meeting Federal goals for minority and women owned businesses, the City has its own economically disadvantaged business program.

The City of Fort Wayne has a goal that each contractor awarded a construction contract subcontract at least 10% of the contract amount to a certified Emerging Business Enterprise.

What is an Emerging Business?
A small business concern that is owned, operated and controlled by one or more economically disadvantaged individuals. An emerging business:

  • Must be at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by an economically disadvantaged owner-operator,
  • Have annual gross receipts not exceeding the following tiers: 
    • Five million dollars ($5,000,000) for 0-5 years in business
    • Eight million dollars ($8,000,000) for 6-10 years in business
    • Ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for 11-15 years in business
  • Been in specific field of operation 15 years or less.

How to Apply for Certification
To become certified, business owners must complete the City of Fort Wayne's Emerging Business Enterprise Request for Certification application.

  1. Complete the application
    Provide complete information. Do not leave any item blank. If a section does not apply to your firm indicate this by writing "N/A" or "Not Applicable."

    Applications are in the form of sworn affidavits. Remember to sign the last page and have it notarized.

  2. Collect supporting documentation
    It is important to include the supporting documentation requested. Applications submitted without this documentation will not be reviewed until documentation is submitted.

  3. Send the complete package to:

City of Fort Wayne
Vendor Compliance
200 East Berry Street, Suite 490
Fort Wayne, IN 46802