HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-0037 - 2026-03-03 - Informal ReportINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0037
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 3, 2026
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CITY SUPPORT FOR VETERAN -OWNED SMALL
BUSINESSES
This report provides an overview of activities related to the City's support of veteran -owned small
businesses and their participation in City contracting opportunities.
Background
On August 5, 2025, City Council adopted an ordinance establishing a small business program for
procurement of goods, services, and construction. A Small Business Development Program
division was created in the Economic Development Department, which includes a veterans
business development component. This division has a dedicated staff member who provides
veteran business outreach and offers one-on-one consultations to help veterans start, develop,
and grow their businesses. The Small Business division of Economic Development works closely
with the Purchasing division in Financial Management Services to assist small businesses in
accessing City contracting opportunities.
Veteran -Owned Businesses and City Contracting
Under the Small Business Development Program, the City has a 30% small business goal for
procurement, which encompasses veteran -owned small businesses. The City's procurement
management software, Bonfire, allows business owners to self -identify as a veteran -owned
business. Of the over 14,000 registered vendors on Bonfire, there are currently 352 businesses
that identify as veteran owned, or about 2.5% of registered vendors. City staff will continue to
encourage veteran -owned businesses to self -identify on Bonfire and will continue to provide
information to those who may qualify under the Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB)
program.
Changes to the State of Texas HUB Program
On December 2, 2025, Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced that the state's
Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program had been restructured under emergency rules
and is now operating as Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB). This program focuses
exclusively on small businesses owned and operated by veterans with a service -connected
disability of 20% or greater. Since the City recognizes HUB -certified vendors as eligible for a 5%
bid preference on contracts between $3,000 and $100,000, businesses certified under VetHUB will
also qualify for the City's 5% bid preference.
Current Efforts to Support Veteran -Owned Businesses
The Economic Development Department, through its Small Business Development Program, is
actively working to expand programs that support veteran -owned businesses. Through these
efforts, the City will host Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) at the Business Assistance Center in
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0037
�pf1TE7t$
1875
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 3, 2026
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CITY SUPPORT FOR VETERAN -OWNED SMALL
BUSINESSES
partnership with the Small Business Administration and the UT Arlington Veterans Business
Outreach Center, a hands-on, introductory program for veterans interested in business and
entrepreneurship. These sessions allow veterans to learn the fundamentals of business and
entrepreneurship, gain practical skills and guidance tailored for veterans, and network with fellow
veterans and local business experts. Active links to register for the following sessions are available:
• ivionaav, iviav 4 1 d AM — 5 PM
• Monday. November 2 18 AM — 5 PM
City staff will continue to work on scheduling more programming and will continue to update and
include veteran business resources on the division webpage: Veterans Business Support &
Resources — Welcome to the Citv of Fort Worth. Economic Development staff will continue to work
with the Purchasing team to explore other ways to assist veteran -owned small businesses.
For further questions, please contact Ori Fernandez, Assistant Economic Development Director, at
817-392-2606 or Ori.Fernandeza-fortworthtexas.aov or Haven Wynne at 817-392-8525 or
riaven.VVvnneO-fortworthtexas.aov.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS