The Arlington Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced its latest program to support local small businesses. The Arlington Business Certification (ABC) Program is designed to help business-owners level-up their competitive edge by obtaining industry-recognized certifications to enhance operations, drive growth and support long-term success.
“By participating in this program, businesses add a credential and enhance their qualifications to be better positioned to secure contracts as approved vendors or suppliers for the entities such as the City of Arlington, other municipalities, counties, independent school districts and private entities that recognize these certifications,” said Kay Brown-Patrick, assistant executive director of the Arlington EDC.
The program, which is available to Arlington-based small businesses, will reimburse certification fees up to $650.
Businesses can apply for any certification (offered by select certifying entities) including the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, Veteran Small Business certifications, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certifications and Women-owned Business (WBE) certifications. Program partners and certifying entities include the Small Business Administration, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, DFW Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women’s Business Council Southwest. Businesses can visit each certifying agency’s website to view a full list of offerings.
“Small businesses are an important part of our business climate here in Arlington, and we’re excited to offer another support system to help them thrive,” Brown-Patrick said.
The program’s Kick-Off event will take place on June 12, 2025, 12-1pm. To learn more and register for the Kick-Off, visit the Business Resources section of our website.