Small Business Enterprise Program

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances ch. 370, subch. 4

in effect

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 370-23 Creation.

370-23. Creation. There is created a small business enterprise program to assist and protect the interests of individuals at a disadvantage owning, operating and controlling small businesses to promote and encourage full and open competition in the city, and to enhance opportunities for individuals who are at an economic disadvantage to successfully compete in a free market as independent business owners. The program shall apply to all contracts and shall include the taking of steps to increase the participation of small business enterprises, assisting in small business enterprise development programs and the identification and elimination of barriers that deny small business enterprises equal opportunity.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 370-25 Certification Requirements for a Small Business Enterprise.

370-25. Certification Requirements for a Small Business Enterprise. A business shall be certified by the department of compliance and engagement as a small business enterprise for participation in the program, and shall meet the following requirements: 1. The business shall be a U.S.-based business which is independently owned, operated and controlled and is not dominant in its field of operation, or an affiliate of subsidiary of a business dominant in its field of operation. 2. The business shall meet the size standards of the United States small business administration. 3. The business shall have demonstrated capacity to perform independently or as a subcontractor relative to its field of operation. 4. The business shall not be owned, operated and controlled by individuals or groups of individuals who own, operate and control a large business involved in the same category of work as the business for which small business enterprise status is sought. 5. The business shall be operational for at least one year prior to certification. 6. The owner shall control the day-to-day critical operations of the firm. 7. The owner or owners shall be citizens or permanent, legal residents of the United States. 8. The business shall be at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more individuals at a disadvantage.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 370-27 Requirements for the Participation of Small Business Enterprises.

370-27. Requirements for the Participation of Small Business Enterprises. Annually, there shall be required levels of participation of small business enterprises for the following types of contracts: 1. Construction contracts: 25%. 2. Goods and services contracts: 25%. 3. Professional services contracts: 18%.

Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-3/CH370.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/26/2026