The City of Savannah is urging all minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) to apply now for M/WBE certification. Certification verifies that a business qualifies for M/WBE status, and will become a mandatory requirement for M/WBE firms to participate in City procurement activities in 2010. Businesses must fill out an application (available online at www.savannahga.gov) and undergo a scheduled site visit by the City's Department of Economic Development. The process is designed to be a simple but thorough review, and takes 30-90 days to complete.

The M/WBE program assists in the growth and development of businesses owned and controlled by women and minorities. An important activity of the program is to increase the participation of those businesses in City of Savannah procurement opportunities. Businesses that already have certification from recognized agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, U.S. Small Business Administration 8 (a) or Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, will be fast-tracked in the application process.

For more information on certification, please contact the M/WBE Office at (912) 651-3653 or send email to MWBECertification@savan nahga.gov.