FORT WORTH, TX — The Fort Worth City Council has approved the launch of a new Small Business Development Program aimed at expanding access for local businesses, improving procurement readiness, and protecting hundreds of millions in federal funding that supports key city services and infrastructure.
Approved at a recent council meeting, the program strengthens partnerships with the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce (FWMBCC), Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC), and the Fort Worth Chamber (FWC) to support and grow the city’s small business ecosystem. The initiative also aligns the city’s policies with federal guidelines that prohibit race or gender-based criteria for public programs.
Program Overview and Key Features
Beginning Sept. 1, 2025, the Small Business Development Program will include:
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5% bid preference for certified small businesses on city contracts up to $100,000
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30% utilization target for small businesses on contracts over $100,000
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Economic incentive goal requiring small business inclusion in economic development projects
Additional support includes technical assistance, certification help, matchmaking events, and educational workshops. The City will also partner with the FWMBCC, FWHCC, and FWC through formal contracts to deliver services such as financial literacy, procurement training, bonding education, and succession planning.
The City plans to issue a Request for Proposals to launch a Small Contractor Development Program, aimed at increasing the number of prequalified small businesses eligible for construction projects.
Federal Compliance and Grant Protection
The initiative follows recent federal mandates and court rulings that require grant recipients to remove race or gender-based participation criteria in order to remain eligible for funding. As a result, the City Council also voted to suspend the Business Equity Ordinance and MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) requirements in its incentive policies.
Failure to comply with federal rules could have jeopardized the city’s $277 million in active federal grant funding, which supports:
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Public safety programs
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Utility bill assistance for low-income families
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Affordable housing
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Street improvements
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Civil rights enforcement
The funding also supports 120 city employee positions and serves nearly 40,000 Fort Worth residents annually through grant-supported programs.
Timeline and Next Steps
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Sept. 1, 2025: New procurement ordinance becomes effective
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Aug. 26, 2025: Council vote on contracts with the three Chambers of Commerce
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June 2026: Staff to report to Council on performance metrics and recommended updates
The City will continue to gather feedback from small businesses and community partners to refine and expand the program moving forward.
The Civil Rights Office will remain operational and continue enforcement activities, including Fair Housing, ADA compliance, and other protections under federal civil rights law.
Learn more about the Fort Worth Small Business Development Program.
