The Locally-Based Enterprise (LBE) program works to ensure that New York's construction firms get preference for subcontracting opportunities on large-scale City Projects.

Who is Eligible

To qualify for certification into the Locally-Based Enterprise program, a company must:

• Be in business for at least one year
  
• Perform at least 25% of its work in an economically depressed area of New York City, or employ a workforce of which at least 25% are economically disadvantaged persons
  
• Have earned average annual gross receipts of less than $2 million for all construction and construction-related work within the last three years*
  
  *If the firm has been in business for less than three years, average gross receipts for all years in which taxes were filed must be less than $2 million.
  

How to Apply

Step 1: Get Registered

Any business that wants to do business with the City of New York must register with the Vendor Enrollment Center. Log onto www.nyc.gov/selltonyc to download the Vendor Enrollment Application. When registering, please limit your NIGP commodity code selections to items that best describe the product or services you sell.

Step 2: Get Certified

Download the application forms here (in PDF):
LBE Certification Form
LBE Re-Certification Form
LBE Certification Application (Spanish)
LBE Supplemental Information Application (Spanish)

Step 3: Get Connected

• Meet with a procurement counselor to learn how to navigate City purchasing
  
• Take classes to learn about the certification and procurment process
  
• Network with private and public agencies to help your business grow
  

LBE Certification Prep Course
Classes on how to complete the LBE certification application are offered at the NYC Department of Small Business Services.

For course information or to register: dial 311 and ask for "Small Business Seminars" or Register here.