Orange County, Fla. — As of July 1, 2025, Orange County has officially suspended its Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program, making way for a new initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for local small businesses: the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program.
According to county officials, the SBE Program is designed to provide a broader, more streamlined system of support for business owners across the region. While the full framework is still under development, community input is now being actively sought to help shape the program’s final design.
How to Get Involved:
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Throughout July, Orange County will host virtual information sessions and webinars. Business owners are encouraged to attend to learn early details, ask questions, and provide feedback.
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The deadline to submit feedback is Friday, August 1, 2025.
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Dates, times, and registration links for the webinars are available on the county’s official website.
County officials emphasize that the transition from M/WBE to SBE is meant to modernize and unify support structures for small businesses, ensuring greater accessibility and clarity across different sectors.
Questions and feedback can be sent directly to vasantha.raysor@ocfl.net.
Why It Matters:
The M/WBE program had long been a fixture in supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Its retirement marks a significant shift in how Orange County plans to engage its small business community. Officials say the goal is not to eliminate support for these groups, but rather to expand access and simplify the process for all small businesses seeking county contracts and opportunities.
For the latest updates, visit the Small Business Enterprise Program page on Orange County’s website.
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