Emerging Small Business Certification

Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification is for Oregon small businesses seeking contracting opportunities on projects specifically designated for ESB participation. This program is race and gender neutral and has two tiers.

Tier 1

For Oregon-based firms with 19 or less employees whose average annual gross receipts over the last three years are under $1,671,177 for construction firms and under $668,471 for non-construction-related firms. An ESB-certified business must:

• be in Oregon (principal place of business must be in Oregon, according to tax filings)
• be properly licensed (e.g., construction contractors board, engineers)
• have a business name registered with Oregon Corporations Division, and
• be independently owned (cannot be subsidiary or parent company).

Tier 2

For Oregon-based firms with 29 or less employees whose average annual gross receipts over the last three years are under $3,342,354 for construction-related businesses and under $1,114,118 for non-construction businesses.

Applications

Applications are available in two formats.

1. Choose a Word format to fill-in, save and print when completed; OR
2. Choose a PDF format to fill-in and print. You must complete and print the application in one session—there is no save option.

Certification Packet—Word format
Certification Packet

The packet contains important information with checklists of required documentation. Failure to provide all of the necessary documentation will delay the application process or cause application denial.

Packet outline:
Pages 1-2:	Certification requirements. Refer to the checklist that matches your business’ legal structure.
Pages 3-5:	Application form. Be sure to answer all questions. If a question is not applicable to your business, use “N/A.”
Pages 6:	Oregon Administrative Rules
Pages 7-12:	North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) partial code list.

How to Apply

An original application and the required documents must be mailed to:
   Business Oregon
   Small Business Services, OMWESB
   775 Summer St NE, Suite 200
   Salem, OR 97301-1280

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