Emerging Business Enterprise Program

Welcome to the Emerging Business Enterprise Program

The City of Milwaukee's Emerging Business Enterprise Program (EBEP) is a multi-faceted direct service provider. The staff has a communication network with each of the city's contracting departments to ensure that the opportunities in commodity procurement, construction, service orders and professional services are available to small and emerging businesses.

We work to enhance the emerging small business community by maximizing support services, contract opportunities, financial resources to compete in the public and private sector markets.

Objectives & Services

EBEP was created to assist and protect the interest of emerging and small business concerns. We take steps to promote and encourage full and open competition in the City of Milwaukee so emerging businesses may successfully compete in a free market as independent business owners. We also work to establish mentor-protégé relationships between small businesses and those businesses in the mainstream marketplace.

In addition, we provide:

• Technical and Financial Assistance, as it pertains to business expansion, and overall development in certain areas.
   
• A Resource List with information on business training and educational programs with various institutions and organizations.
   

History & City Ordinance

In 2002, Chapter 360 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances was revised to utilize city-certified Emerging Business Enterprises (EBE) in all contracting activities.

The revision was approved by the Common Council and signed by Mayor John O. Norquist, setting an annual 18% EBE utilization requirement for each contracting department, and all other operating departments when contracting based upon authority.

Click here for full text of Chapter 360 of the Milw. Code of Ordinance as of Aug. 20, 2002.  -
 

What's New

DISASTER CONTRACTING

Disaster Relief Assistance by Small Businesses
As you know, we are experience flooding in the Midwest along the banks of the Mississippi River. Those areas will be needing contractors to provide assistance with disaster response and recovery. During times of natural or environmental disasters or national or civil emergencies, many products and services are needed for relief, clean up and restoration. Vendors that supply products or services that may be needed to support this effort and who wish to be considered as potential sources of supply may be identified in the Disaster and Emergency Operations Vendor Profile Database. The Disaster and Emergency Operations Vendor Profile Form (GSA Form 3685) is to be completed by all vendors interested in GSA contracting opportunities during times of natural or environmental disasters and national or civil emergencies.

NOTE: This form is for informational purposes and does not imply any contract or promise of business. It is not required that vendors now hold a GSA Schedule contract. The shortcut to this page is  www.gsa.gov/disatersupportform.

Telephone "Hot-Line" for EBE Contractors to Log Payment Concerns
City of Milwaukee Certified EBE Contractors are encouraged to call our new "Hot-Line" to report any concerns about late payments from the City of Milwaukee or Prime Contractors.  It's easy - just dial (414)286-5553 and leave your name, phone number and details of your concern.  EBEP staff will follow up with you within 24 hours to assist you with your concern.

BusinesSense a web based software system for compliance monitoring of
Emerging Business Enterprise participation on City of Milwaukee
contracts. BusinesSense will serve as a network that integrates the City of Milwaukee
contracting departments and contracting authorities with the Emerging
Business Enterprise Program (EBEP).