BRIDGE Overview
To accomplish this policy goal, the City of Tulsa designed a
program called BRIDGE.
BRIDGE promotes connections between small,
developing and growing businesses and opportunities available
through larger companies in the area.
The Building Resources in Developing and Growing Enterprises
(BRIDGE) program was introduced on January 30, 2007. The
program is available to all small businesses whose services and
supplies meets the size standard criteria set forth in Section 8(a)
of the Small Business Act (SBA) and the criteria set forth by the
Department of Transportation, CFR 49 part 26 for a small business
in its primary industry classification for construction.
To be eligible to participate in the program the personal net
worth of the small business owner(s) must not exceed $750,000. If
you are on the City of Tulsa previously certified business list,
you are automatically eligible to become certified in the new
BRIDGE program, and will not be required to submit any additional
paperwork.
What is a Developing Business?
One whose size standard meets the criteria set forth in
Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C.A. §637 (a),
for a small business in its primary industry classification,
independent of its status as a socially disadvantaged
business. A "developing business" is a small business in its
early stages of operations.
What is a Growing Business?
One whose size standard meets the criteria set forth in
Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C.A. §637(a),
for a small business in its primary industry classification,
independent of its status as a socially disadvantaged
business. A "growing business" is a small business with
demonstrated capacity to expand; it is a mature business seeking to
expand operations and increase revenues.
How Does a Developing Business Become Certified Under
BRIDGE?
Developing Businesses must demonstrate that they meet the SBA size
standards. The City of Tulsa Human Rights Department provides the
program application and reviews the application in conjunction with
the City's Certification Committee to certify businesses that meet
the criteria.
Businesses can also become certified through reciprocity if they
are already certified with certain agencies such as the Oklahoma
Department of Transportation. To find out more, contact the program
coordinator at (918) 596-7818.
