Office of Business Opportunity
Certification Applications and Forms
Public Notice: Temporary Pause on MWSBE & PDBE Applications
As of September 26, 2025, the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) is temporarily pausing the acceptance of new applications for the following certifications:
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
- Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise (PDBE)
This pause will remain in effect until December 1, 2025.
What This Means for Businesses
- No new applications for MWSBE or PDBE certifications will be accepted during this period.
- Applications for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) applications will be accepted during this period.
Why This Pause is Necessary
The Office of Business Opportunity is undertaking important upgrades to its certification program, including:
- System improvements to enhance efficiency.
- Policy updates to strengthen accountability.
- Streamlined procedures to reduce application turnaround times.
- Enhanced reporting tools to better serve businesses and City departments.
Support and Contact Information
For questions or additional guidance, please contact the OBO Certification Hotline at (832) 393-0600 (press option 1).
City of Houston
Office of Business Opportunity
Due to the volume of certification applications, the average processing time for local applications is 6 – 8 months. We are working diligently to process your application and appreciate your patience.
Online Application
- On-Line Application Forms MWSBE, PDBE, ACDBE and DBE certification
- Certification Checklist (MWSBE-PDBE) (January 2022)
Small Business Enterprise Application (Construction Firms Only)
- SBE Application
- SBE Certification Checklist (January 2022)
DBE/ACDBE Uniform Certification Application and Personal Financial Statement
- ACDBE/DBE Application
- ACDBE/DBE Certification Checklist (January 2022)
- DBE/ACDBE Interstate Certification Checklist (June 2020)
- (TUCP) Interstate DBE/ACDBE Affidavit (updated March 2017)
Please contact the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity Certification section at (832) 393-0600 with any questions.
Certification Updates
- SBE 3 Year Update Form and Affidavit
- MWSBE/PDBE 3 Year Update Form and Affidavit
- Declaration of Eligibility
- Affidavit of Non-Interest
Certification Expansion
Contact OBO
611 Walker Street, Seventh Floor
Houston, TX 77002
OBO Director
OBO Social Media
