Business Resources

The Arlington Business Certification (ABC) program helps local small business-owners obtain industry-recognized certifications to enhance operations, drive growth and support long-term success. Participating small businesses will be better positioned to secure contracts as approved vendors or suppliers for the City of Arlington, other municipalities, counties, independent school districts and private entities that recognize these certifications.

The program is available to Arlington-based small businesses, which will be reimbursed certification fees not to exceed $650. Applicants will be notified in advance if program funding is exhausted.

Certification options include certifications offered by the following City-recognized certification agencies: the Small Business Administration, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, DFW Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Women’s Business Council Southwest.

Certifications include, but are not limited to:

• 8(a) Business Development Program

• Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program

• Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) Program

• Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification

• Women-owned Business (WBE) Certification

• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification

Eligibility Criteria*:

• The business must be based in Arlington and in good standing with the City.

• Applicant must attend at least one partnering organizations session.

*Each certifying organization has their own eligibility criteria.

To apply, complete the following steps.

1. Register for the Kick-Off event on June 12, 12-1pm. – Can’t make it? No problem, we’ll record it so you can watch it at your earliest convenience.

2. Attend at least one virtual partnering organization session (Register at the link for each event. All sessions will be virtual and recorded).

   • June 18, 12-1pm - North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency

   • June 26, 12-1pm - Women's Business Council - Southwest

   • July 10, 12-1pm - Small Business Administration

   • July 17, 12-1pm - DFW Minority Supplier Development

3. Business owners submit an “Intent to Apply” application no later than December 31, 2025.

Once an application has been received by the Arlington EDC:

1. City staff will review the application for completeness within 10 days of receiving the application.

2. If the application is determined eligible, the City will prepare an agreement.

3. Business owners apply, pay certification fees, and complete the program requirements with the certification agency of their choice.

4. Upon completion businesses submit application for reimbursement of certification fees through Arlington EDC program funds.

Questions? Email kay.brownpatrick@arlingtontx.gov.

FAQ

Q: What information is needed to apply?
A complete Intent to Apply form is needed: Arlington Business Certification Program Intent to Apply Form

Q: What are the requirements to qualify?

1. Watch the Kick-Off session

2. Attend at least one partner session

3. Meet the requirements and eligibility of the specific certifying organization

Q. If I miss a session, how can I view the recording?

You can request to rewatch a session here: Arlington Business Certification Program Session Recordings Request

Q. Is this only for a business applying for a 1st time certification, or can you apply if you need to renew your certifications? 

Renewals are eligible for the program.

Q. How long does your business have to be in service for the SBE certification?

There is no time requirement, only that it is currently operating.

Q. Is there a required facility visit for certifications?

On-site (virtual) visits are required for federal programs.

Q. What certifications can I get?

All certifications offered by the following partners are offered for reimbursement: North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, Women’s Business Council – Southwest, Small Business Administration, and DFW Minority Supplier Development

Arlington EDC and LiftFund have teamed up to support small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing zero interest rate funding to support the community and help local business owners achieve their goals.

• Fixed interest rate at 0%

• Small business loans up to $100,000

• Available to all for-profit small businesses located in, or relocating to the Arlington city limits.

This program is subject to funding availability and LiftFund’s credit and lending guidelines, including inability to secure funding through traditional commercial sources. Other fees may apply.

The City of Arlington and the Arlington Economic Development Corporation (EDC) are partnering with SCORE to provide a select group of up to 18 small business owners the opportunity to participate in a series of tailored workshops to advance their company’s growth as part of the Arlington Small Business Development Cohort.

Class content will include the following sessions:

• Developing a Business Plan for Growth

• Sales and Marketing Considerations to drive Growth

• Utilizing Social Media to Boost Visibility/Awareness

• Business Financial Statements/Considerations

• Financing/Funding Resource Overview

• Tips for Recruiting Talent

The program consists of six classes with one class session meeting per month. In addition to these six classes, cohort members will be expected to attend three one-on-one free confidential mentoring sessions (in-person or virtual) with a SCORE representative or other designated mentor by the City of Arlington.

The 2024 cohort has graduated and applications are closed - watch this space for updates on future opportunities.

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County strives to meet the needs of employers and job seekers through locally designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services including:

• Recruiting Assistance & Placement – Offering interview space through Workforce Centers 

• Labor Market Information – Wage information, job descriptions, labor pool availability and local business trends are provided free to business

• Outplacement Services – Designed to support companies that are restructuring, downsizing or closing

• Job Fairs & Hiring Events – One-on-one hiring events for employees

• WorkInTexas.Com – Easy-to-use online job search resources and advanced job matching tools assist businesses in finding the best candidates

• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) – Federal income tax benefit through the U.S. Department of Labor for private, for-profit businesses who hire from targeted populations. Federal tax savings benefits can range from $1,200 to $9,000 per qualified employee

Tarrant Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides business mentoring, consulting and training with convenient satellite offices located in Arlington.

Skills Development Grant for Small Business

Funding is focused on the training of newly hired, full-time employees (hired up to 12 months prior to the application date)

Up to $1,800 for each new employee being trained and $900 for existing employees per 12-month period.

All training must be provided by a public community or technical college; selected from active course catalogs/schedules credit, continuing education, online or other available unpublished courses

Employers must pay the prevailing wages in the local labor market for the trainees funded under the grant.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster relief for businesses in numerous Texas counties. Download the PDFs below for more information.