As many local governments end their small-business certification processes and set-aside programs, one local government continues to offer targeted programs for small businesses.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) operates one of Central Florida’s most significant economic engines through its management of Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport.
Each year, it spends nearly $1 billion to keep the airport running. Plus, over the next decade, the airport is budgeted to spend nearly $6 billion on capital improvement projects.
Historically, for all GOAA spending, the authority is required to contract a percentage of the business through two programs: the Local Developing Business (LDB) Program and the Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) Recognition.
The third program that was traditionally used, the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program, has been paused by the U.S. Department of Transportation as of October. We’ll touch on that briefly in the blog as it is important to understand how it works if it is restarted.
If a company qualifies for either of the two existing programs, they can be quite profitable, expanding access to economic opportunities tied to airport development and operations.
The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group specialize in helping businesses with certifications such as these in Orlando, Sanford, Winter Garden, Kissimmee and throughout Central Florida.
We’re here to help you understand the process, ensure your eligibility, and assist throughout the process to help minimize any errors or delays.
The Local Developing Business (LDB) Program
The Local Developing Business (LDB) Program focuses on all types of local small businesses, regardless of the race or gender of the owner.
It was created to promote local business growth, economic equity and competitive participation in airport contracting and procurement and is focused on firms that are based in the Central Florida region and meet specific size and operational criteria.
To qualify for LDB certification with GOAA, a business must generally demonstrate that:
- It is locally owned and operated within the Greter Orlando Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA), covering Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties.
- It is independently owned, not a subsidiary or branch of a larger enterprise.
- It meets small business standards based on factors like revenue and ownership. These typically include gross revenue and personal net worth limitations, though exact thresholds vary depending on contract and industry.
Because the LDB program is geographically focused and small-business-centered, it provides a competitive advantage for local firms. Many public bodies in Central Florida recognize GOAA’s LDB certification — a key form of reciprocity that allows certified firms to leverage the credential beyond the airport context.
For example, both Orange County Public Schools and the School District of Osceola County accept GOAA LDB certification as part of their small business programs. These reciprocal arrangements greatly enhance the market reach of LDB-certified firms across multiple public institutions in Central Florida.
The official details of the program, including benefits, specific eligibility numbers and how to apply, are maintained on GOAA’s website.
Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) Recognition
Veteran-owned businesses represent another critical segment of the small business ecosystem that GOAA encourages through specific recognition within its contracting programs.
These are firms primarily owned by veterans — including service-disabled veterans — and may participate in airport procurement opportunities with visibility and priority where applicable.
GOAA accepts veteran status documentation — often in the form of certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) or other recognized authorities — to qualify firms as Veteran Business Enterprises.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for VBE recognition through GOAA’s system, a business typically must:
- Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more U.S. military veterans.
- Possess a certification or verification from a recognized body such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (CVE), or the State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity.
Although fewer formal goals or quotas may be established for VBEs compared to LDB or MWBE in certain solicitations, including a certified VBE in a contract proposal often strengthens a submission and aligns with public procurement priorities across agencies.
The program is also very clear that it is only available for non-federal projects.
Similar to the LDB, other government bodies recognize and accept veteran business certifications. For instance, school districts that track VBE participation often accept CVE or state VBE certificates during vendor registration and eligibility reviews.
You can learn more about this program and more details about certification on GOAA’s website here.
The Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program
As of October, GOAA paused its MWBE program due to a Federal Department of Transportation rule that requires all programs to restrict contracting based on race and gender.
You can read the Interim Final Rule here.
It is important to watch to see if the program is restarted at any point, although there is no timeline on when the Interim Final Rule will become final. Reinstatement may also need to wait until after a new administration is elected.
But, it is an important certification because it was recognized by governments and transportation agencies across the state.
You can learn more about the MWBE program on GOAA’s website here.
Why These Programs Matter
GOAA’s certification programs do more than simply label businesses — they open pathways to real economic opportunity. Certified firms benefit from:
- Inclusion in GOAA vendor databases and alerts for relevant procurement opportunities.
- Networking and outreach events that connect local firms with airport decision-makers and prime contractors. (For example, GOAA’s annual “How to Do Business with GOAA” event is a longstanding forum for small business engagement.)
- Reciprocal acceptance by other public agencies (e.g., OCPS, Osceola School District), which mitigates duplication of certification work and expands market reach.
As businesses look toward these certifications, Success depends on careful preparation, accurate documentation, ongoing compliance, and active management of ownership and control. Understanding the nuances of eligibility and compliance is critical.
The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group help with all types of legal issues for business owners and individuals in Orlando, Waterford Lakes, Altamonte Springs, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and throughout Central Florida.
If you have questions about anything discussed in this article or other legal matters, give our office a call at 407-512-4394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. We have an office conveniently located at 12301 Lake Underhill Rd, Suite 213, Orlando, FL 32828, as well as offices in Seminole, Osceola and West Orange counties to assist you.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by The Orlando Law Group
