Orange County, Florida, has approved a significant and anticipated change to its contracting policies by terminating the Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program and establishing a new Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program. This change has an expected implementation date of July 15, 2025, and is ready to navigate a new wave of legal and regulatory pressures on programs that are based on race- or gender-based criteria.

The SBE program is going to establish a 15% participation goal for certified small firms. The eligibility will be limited to businesses that are operating in the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area and comply with the county size standard. Officials explained that a race- and gender-neutral approach would enable Orange County to receive federal funding while still expanding procurement opportunities for local businesses. 

The shift responds to a more national discussion regarding equity in public contracting. Some states are looking to mandate inclusion, such as Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts to promote minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), while others are adopting a neutral framework. 

Disparities remain in regions across the country. Contractor News has reported, for example, that Black-owned construction businesses were still significantly underrepresented, resulting in unresolved structural barriers. Orange County’s new program showcases how local governments can adjust to changing federal directives while still allowing small firms to compete.