The County's business preference programs encourage business owners who are minorities, women, disadvantaged or disabled veterans to capitalize on opportunities in government and private-sector procurement programs. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) provides the following certification programs:
Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) Preference Program**
The LSBE Preference Program boosts contracting opportunities for small businesses in LA County. Certified LSBEs receive payment within 15 days of receipt of an undisputed invoice for goods or services with the use of the Prompt Payment Stamp.
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Preference Program**
The DVBE Preference Program is designed to enhance purchasing and contracting opportunities for businesses owned by disabled veterans.
Social Enterprise (SE) Preference Program**
The SE Preference Program was designed to increase contracting opportunities for enterprises whose primary purpose is to enhance Los Angeles County through economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Community Business Enterprise (CBE) Program
The CBE program includes designations as a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and LGBTQQ owned businesses. This program allows participating businesses to capitalize on opportunities in government and private-sector procurement. These businesses will be included in the County’s CBE listing. Many County departments, public agencies, private-sector prime and subcontractors use the CBE listing to meet subcontracting goals.
**The LSBE, DVBE and SE preference programs have a bid preference where the eligible enterprise will receive up to 15% bid price reduction or ‘preference’ when bidding on certain goods and services solicited by Los Angeles County.
Preference Program Implementation Guidelines
The Preference Program Implementation Guidelines are the instructions for implementation of the County's Social Enterprise, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, and Local Small Business Enterprise. These instructions outline eligibility criteria, application process, program requirements, calculation of the preference, and compliance requirements for all participants.
To request County of Los Angeles certification for LSBE, DVBE, SE or CBE program participation, a business must: