Socially & Economically Disadvantaged Businesses (SEDB) Enterprise Program Update

The City-Parish's Socially & Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program is underway. Local qualifying businesses are encouraged to complete the certification process. 

The Director of Purchasing for the City-Parish, Paul Narcisse, joined the 1st Thursday Outlook Call for June to provide an update on the program. Launched in 2020, this program seeks to provide support and resources to disadvantaged businesses in East Baton Rouge Parish. It will allow businesses to qualify for contracts with the City-Parish, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and BREC.

The SEDB Program is in the implementation phase and businesses that wish to participate should complete the certification process. This can be done by completing the application which can be found here. If assistance is needed, it is available by contacting  Kenyatta Sparks with the SJB Group at no cost. Once a firm is approved, they will be provided with a certificate of approval. Firms currently certified through the Louisiana's Unified Certification Program (UCP) will have a shortened application process. A SEBD database will be available for firms to review to locate potential teaming partners.

Currently, the City-Parish is working to set goals for each MOVEBR project that will be advertised for professional services and construction. A firm does not have to be certified at the time of solicitation; however, they must be certified within 90 days of the contract being awarded.