Currently, the City of Savannah’s Purchasing Ordinance (Section 2-4042) does not contain definitions for Savannah Business Enterprises (SBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). Programs for both SBEs and DBEs were recently adopted by Council and went into effect on January 1, 2018. The proposed changes to the ordinance would include the following definitions for both SBEs and DBEs and would be added as Sections 2-4042(36) and 2-4042(37) of the Purchasing Ordinance: 

2-4042(36) Savannah Business Enterprise (SBE). An entity certified as an SBE by the City of Savannah. SBEs are small, Savannah-based companies that meet the income and employee requirements set by the Savannah Business Opportunity Program policy. Entities must also demonstrate a continuous operating presence in the City of Savannah.

2-4042(37) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). An entity certified as a DBE by any federal or state agency. To become certified, a company must be a for-profit small business concern where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations. Further, companies must meet all other eligibility requirements as set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If approved by Council, this change would take effect on February 1, 2018.

Approval