Small Business Opportunity Program

About Us: 

It is our goal, as the Small Business Opportunity Program, to build an equitable bridge between DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises), minority-owned businesses in the East Baton Rouge Parish Community, and BREC, ensuring equial opportunity, for those businesses, providing needed services and
supplies to the Agency.

FAQ:

Who qualifies as a DBE?

A DBE is a small business that is owned and operated, at least 51%, by a veteran, woman, or individual
from a minority group. (Hispanic/Latinos, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, Hawaiian/Pacific
Islanders).

Are certifications required to work with BREC?

We recommend businesses to get certified with the business enterprise programs. Being certified affords
you more opportunities with government agencies & affiliates, however, BREC does not require DBE
certification in order to contract with the Agency.

Is there a cap on how many contracts I can have open with BREC?

When your services are contracted, it is based on the specific terms of that agreement with a monetary
value. Each department operates under a single agreement per service, allowing flexibility based on
necessity.

What type of insurance should I have?

Coverage will solely depend on the services being provided and it is assessed on a case-by-case basis
with general liability coverage a mandatory minimum.

Do I have to have a certain number of employees?

BREC does not require a minimum number of employees.

Am I automatically a vendor with BREC once I submit my information? How can I get on the vendors’
list for small businesses?

Submitting your business information to the Small Business Opportunity Department does not
automatically make you a vendor, it does, however, place you in a position to be notified of potential
contracting, RFP, and bid opportunities with the agency. Submitting your business information also
affords the Small Business Opportunity division the ability to supply departments, in need of services,
your information for assistance. Only those businesses that enter contracts with the agency become a
vendor of the agency.

Submission Process 

To submit your information, please download and complete BREC's Small Business Opportunity Program Form and email it to Vendors@brec.org.