CERT Program
Search the CERT vendor directory
If you want to do more business with emerging, small, women-owned, and BIPOC-owned enterprises in the greater Twin Cities, this virtual marketplace is the best place to start.
Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc. managing the CERT program
The CERT certification collaborative is thrilled to announce an exciting new development in our commitment to supporting small, women and minority-owned business enterprises. Following a request for proposals process in the fall of 2023, Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc. was awarded a contract to manage the CERT program. This change will bring enhanced efficiency, greater accessibility and improved resources for our certified businesses.
Strong & Starlike is dedicated to providing top-notch support and streamlined processes. We believe this transition will foster even stronger partnerships and drive meaningful growth within our diverse business community.
We are enthusiastic about the positive impact this change will have and are confident that it will further empower small, women, and minority-owned businesses to thrive and succeed. Please visit the transition website for more information. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter!
- CERT Certification Collaborative Board of Directors (Ramsey County, City of Saint Paul, Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis)
General information
The Central Certification Program (CERT) was created to promote market growth and increase the competitiveness of qualified small businesses. CERT makes it easier for participating businesses to access jobs and contracts available with participating counties and cities by providing a centralized certification process.
CERT is a collaboration of Hennepin County, Ramsey County, the city of Minneapolis and the city of Saint Paul.
A CERT Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is a for-profit, independently owned firm, corporation or establishment, with a small number of employees, small amount of assets, low sales volume and limited impact on the market, that has received SBE certification through an application process administered by the CERT lead agency.
The CERT Executive Board has engaged Strong and Starlike Consulting, Inc. to administer the program on its behalf. Questions regarding CERT should be directed to [email protected].
- CERT Eligibility Criteria (PDF)
- CERT New and Renewal Certification Application
- CERT Business Size Standards (PDF)
Ramsey County delivers equal access and contracting opportunities to all vendors, including certified small business enterprises and the underutilized labor market. For more information, refer to the Small Business Guide to Ramsey County Procurement (PDF) and the Small Business Enterprise Resource Guide (PDF).
Learn more about Ramsey County's small business spending by visiting Open Ramsey County.
CERT is free
CERT is a free program. There are no fees for CERT applications or to search the CERT directory.