Small Business Support
Small businesses and non-profits help grow our local economy and make our community stronger. The County of San Diego offers programs and tools to support them at every stage of their journey.
What counts as a small business?
The County has expanded its definition of small businesses to include for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations. To qualify as a small business, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Certified as a small business by the State of California or another public agency recognized by EDGA. Learn more on our Reciprocal Certification Program page.
- Registered as a non-profit organization with the State of California whose budget and employee count aligns with Small Business criteria.
- Qualify as a Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) or Disabled Veterans Business (DVB) as defined in Board Policy B-39a.
- Qualify as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
- Qualify as a Social Equity Enterprise (SEE).
Please review Board Policy B-53 for more detailed definitions of each of the criteria.
Small Business Programs and Resources
Small-Local Preference Program
We are committed to supporting small and local businesses and making it easier to access County contracts. Our Small-Local Preference Program offers a competitive advantage to these businesses to ensure more of the County’s spending returns to the community.
The County does not certify businesses. If your small business is certified with another public agency or jurisdiction, you can still qualify through our Reciprocal Small-Local Business Certification Program.
For more information please visit the County of San Diego here.
