Comparing Small Business Programs

Emerging Small Business Program

Since 1989, the Emerging Small Business Program has helped Oregon’s small business community overcome barriers to participation in the state’s multi-billion dollar public contracting process. The work of certified ESB firms benefits Oregon through the delivery of maintenance, safety, preservation, and public improvement projects on Oregon’s transportation system.

Business owners learn about small business programs

Small Business Development Program

Established in 2023 to stand up ORS 184.906, the Small Business Development Program empowers small businesses to participate as prime contractors in state transportation construction projects. Through the SBDP, ODOT identifies projects that are suitable for qualified small businesses to undertake as prime contractors and provides support for competitive bid development.

Both Programs

Are race- and gender-neutral.
Further the state’s goal of increasing the number of small businesses competing for and being awarded state procurements.
Increase the experience, capacity, and number of construction firms doing business with ODOT.
Benefit small construction firms through experience bidding on government contracts and contracting with a state agency.

Program Comparison

	ESB Program	SBDP
Funding sources	State	Federal and state
Funding	$10 million per biennium	$25 million annually
Contract maximum	$250,000	$2.5 million
Project types	Maintenance, facilities, highway construction	Highway construction
Solicitation postings	OregonBuys e-Procurement System	eBIDS Procurement System
Ways to qualify	ESB certification	COBID certification Eligible to participate in a Small Business Administration contracting program Self-qualification
Qualifying requirements	Business must meet all the following: Principal place of business in Oregon An independent business, not a subsidiary of a larger firm Licensed and legally registered in Oregon Meets one of two tier options for ESB certification of construction firms: Average gross receipts not to exceed $2,499,109 29 or fewer employees	Business can self-certify by meeting the following: For profit In the construction industry Independently owned and operated, not a subsidiary Registered with the secretary of state Employed fewer than 500 employees annually for the last two years Gross receipts do not exceed an average of $45 million annually over the last two years Prequalified as an ODOT prime contractor

Download a comparison document for the two programs.

Program Contacts

Catherine Biscoe
Emerging Small Business Manager

Ailsa Kellam
Small Business Development Program Manager