The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Certification Program is designed to expand access to government and corporate contracting opportunities for small businesses while strengthening their ability to compete, scale, and win work.
Many small businesses struggle not because of their capability, but because of limited access to information, relationships, and technical support in the procurement process. Our program bridges that gap by providing personalized guidance, hands-on workshops, and direct access to real opportunities. Through one-on-one consultations, pre-bid assistance, and structured bidding support, we help businesses navigate certification with confidence and position themselves for success in competitive markets.
A key differentiator of our work is our matchmaking approach. We actively track and receive forecasted contract opportunities from the City of Fort Worth, allowing us to align qualified small businesses with upcoming projects before they go to bid. This enables us to prepare contractors earlier, connect them to the right resources, and increase their likelihood of success. Members also receive regular updates on relevant city and regional contract opportunities so they can plan strategically rather than react at the last minute.
We amplify impact through strategic partnerships that create a more connected and supportive ecosystem for small businesses:
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Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS) — We collaborate to help businesses obtain Small Business Certification and connect them to additional contracting opportunities, training, and supplier diversity programs.
https://www.wbcsouthwest.org/ -
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce — Joint support around bonding, bidding assistance, and business readiness to help firms compete for larger projects.
https://www.fortworthchamber.com/ -
Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce (DFW) — Partnership focused on access to capital, bonding, procurement navigation, and long-term business planning, including exit planning.
https://www.metroblackchamber.org
Through these partnerships, we are building a coordinated pathway that strengthens small businesses from certification to contract execution and long-term sustainability.
Beyond certification, this program supports economic mobility by helping businesses—particularly those in historically underserved communities—secure reliable contracts that create stability, revenue growth, and generational wealth.
For businesses that need to build their foundation before or alongside certification, we connect them to complementary programs such as Lanzar Fort Worth, our 10-week incubator-style cohort that helps entrepreneurs refine their business plans, financials, and competitive positioning.
At its core, our Small Business Certification Program is not just about credentials—it is about opportunity, access, and outcomes. We help small businesses get certified, get matched, get prepared, and get connected to contracts that can transform their trajectory.
Program Objectives
Increase Small Business Certification and Readiness
Support and guide small businesses through the certification process so they are fully prepared to qualify, comply, and compete for public and private contracting opportunities.
Improve Access to Real Contract Opportunities Through Matchmaking
Use City of Fort Worth contract forecasts and procurement data to proactively match certified small businesses with upcoming opportunities, enabling earlier preparation and stronger bids.
Strengthen Bidding and Bonding Capacity
In partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber and Metropolitan Black Chamber, help businesses build capacity in bidding, bonding, and risk management so they can successfully pursue larger and more complex contracts.
Expand Networks and Supplier Diversity Pathways
Through collaboration with the Women’s Business Council and other partners, connect small businesses to broader supplier diversity pipelines, corporate opportunities, and procurement networks.
Enhance Business Stability and Growth Through Technical Assistance
Provide ongoing one-on-one support, workshops, and resources that help businesses strengthen operations, financial readiness, and long-term planning—including exit planning where appropriate.
Create Measurable Economic Impact for Small Businesses and the Community
Track outcomes such as certifications obtained, bids submitted, contracts won, and revenue growth to demonstrate how the program is increasing opportunity, stability, and wealth creation for small businesses.
