In the initiative City of Houston – OBO to Launch Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business Certifications, the City of Houston is preparing to launch two new certification programs designed to expand contracting opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs and service-disabled veteran business owners.
The programs, Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certifications, were formally introduced by the city’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) at a public event on February 26, 2026, at Houston City Hall.
City officials say the initiative is intended to increase visibility and access to procurement opportunities for veterans operating businesses in the Houston region.
The announcement event was held in the Legacy Room at Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St. Participating officials included Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Cylenthia Hoyrd, director of the Office of Business Opportunity, and Dr. Lashondra Jones, director of the Mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. The program also featured certified veteran and service-disabled veteran business owners who discussed their experiences navigating government contracting.
City leaders say the certification programs are part of broader efforts to support small businesses owned by military veterans and ensure they have equitable access to public contracting opportunities.
Expanding Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Veterans represent a significant portion of the nation’s small-business community, yet many face barriers accessing government procurement opportunities. Houston officials say the new certification programs are intended to help address those barriers by formally recognizing veteran-owned businesses within the city’s contracting system.
Certification will allow qualifying businesses to be identified and included in procurement and supplier diversity initiatives administered through the Office of Business Opportunity.
City officials say the goal is to create more pathways for veteran-owned businesses to compete for city contracts while increasing awareness of the resources available to them.
The Office of Business Opportunity oversees Houston’s supplier diversity programs, which aim to ensure that historically underrepresented businesses — including minority-owned, women-owned and small businesses — can participate in city contracting opportunities.
Adding veteran-focused certifications expands that framework to include businesses owned by former members of the U.S. armed forces and those with service-connected disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements
According to program materials released by the city, businesses seeking certification must meet several eligibility criteria.
Applicants must hold an active Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Businesses must also demonstrate a significant business presence in the Houston region, specifically in one of several counties: Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, Waller, Austin or San Jacinto counties.
In addition, companies must complete vendor or supplier registration with the City of Houston’s Strategic Purchasing Division before applying for certification through the Office of Business Opportunity.
City officials say these requirements are intended to ensure participating businesses are both locally connected and prepared to engage in city procurement processes.
Required Documentation
Businesses seeking certification will need to submit a range of supporting documents during the application process.
Required materials include:
- A signed and notarized Affidavit of Certification
- A signed and notarized Affidavit of Non-Interest
- A Certificate of Filing or Organization
- An SBA approval letter verifying veteran certification
- A lease agreement or property tax statement verifying business location
- Vendor or supplier registration confirmation with the City of Houston
- A certificate of authority or other proof of authorization to conduct business in Texas
Applications for certification will be submitted online through the Office of Business Opportunity’s website.
City officials say the documentation requirements help verify eligibility while ensuring that participating companies meet legal and operational standards for doing business with the city.
Support for the Veteran Business Community
Houston officials say the certification programs are designed not only to increase contracting opportunities but also to strengthen the broader veteran business ecosystem in the region.
Veterans often bring leadership, operational discipline and technical skills gained through military service into the business sector. City leaders say recognizing and supporting these businesses can help stimulate economic growth while honoring the contributions of military service members.
The Office of Business Opportunity also plans to provide guidance and resources to help certified businesses navigate the city’s procurement system and compete for contracts.
Officials say increasing participation among veteran-owned companies will strengthen Houston’s supplier network and expand opportunities for local businesses.
Next Steps
The February 26 event formally introduced the certification programs and provided additional information about the application process and program goals.
Businesses interested in certification can contact the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity for more information.
The office is located at 611 Walker St., 7th Floor, Houston, and can be reached by phone at 832-393-0600. Additional information and application materials are available online through the Office of Business Opportunity website at houstontx.gov/obo
