Small Business Classifications
Eligibility Criteria for Registering as a UF Small Business
The University of Florida strives to ensure equal access and increased opportunities for small businesses. Our goal is to increase the number of Small, Women, Minority, Veteran, Service-disabled Veteran, Hub Zone and Disadvantaged businesses we work with. Below you will find a list of the eligibility criteria for all small businesses interested in working with the institution:
SMALL EMERGING BUSINESS *
An independently owned and operated business concern that employs 15 or fewer permanent full-time employees, and that, together with its affiliates, has a net worth of not more than $1 million.
* UF-Specific Classification
SMALL BUSINESS
An independently owned and operated business concern that employs 200 or fewer permanent full-time employees, and that, together with its affiliates, has a net worth of not more than $5 million and is domiciled in the State of Florida.
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS
A small business concern which is organized to engage in commercial transactions, domiciled in the State of Florida, and is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women.
MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS
A small business concern which is organized to engage in commercial transactions, domiciled in the State of Florida, and is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a minority person(s). A minority person is a lawful, permanent resident of Florida who is an African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American, or American Woman.
VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS
A small business concern which is organized to engage in commercial transactions, domiciled in the State of Florida, and is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more veterans.
SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS
A small business concern which is organized to engage in commercial transactions, domiciled in the State of Florida, and is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more service -disabled veterans.
HUB ZONE BUSINESS
An independently owned and operated small business with at least 51% owned, managed and operated by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe. Have a principal office located in a HUBZone and have at least 35% employees live in a HUBZone.
DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS
An independently owned and operated small business with at least 51% owned, managed and operated by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. Has a personal net worth of less than $1.32 million.
Approved Certifying Agencies
The University strongly encourages firms interested in doing business with the institution to become certified. Below are a list of approved certifying agencies.
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Department of Management Services Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD)
- Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC)
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Alachua County
- City of Gainesville
We recognize additional federal, state, county and city certifications. If you have any questions, please contact sbr@admin.ufl.edu or (352) 392-0380.