# City of Akron Launches Small Business Program

The City of Akron, Ohio, has initiated a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) pilot program in 2026 to enhance local small business participation in municipal contracts. This program replaces previous race- and gender-based initiatives in compliance with federal executive orders and sets aside approximately **$1.19 million** for initial public works projects. The pilot includes four contracts awarded to local small businesses for tasks such as painting fire hydrants, repairing sidewalks, and upgrading lighting in the Cascade parking deck. The initiative also features networking sessions designed to connect small businesses with city procurement and project teams, aiming to build capacity and competitiveness for future contracting opportunities.

- **Key contracts awarded:** Armstrong Painting received a **$220,000** contract for hydrant painting; VCS Construction Services and Bishop Brothers Supply each secured **$50,000** sidewalk repair contracts; Berwin Electric was awarded **$72,000** for lighting upgrades.
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the shift to a race- and gender-neutral SBE program that emphasizes local small business inclusion through set-asides and exclusive opportunities.
- The program's networking and engagement components provide avenues for small businesses to build relationships and improve their competitiveness for future city contracts.
- Contractors and vendors should evaluate their eligibility under the new SBE criteria and consider participation in upcoming solicitations aligned with this initiative.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- City of Akron

### Vendors
- Armstrong Painting (awardee)
- VCS Construction Services (awardee)
- Bishop Brothers Supply (awardee)
- Berwin Electric (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> A city contract can mean more than just one project for a small business. It can help that business hire employees, build experience, establish a track record, and become more competitive for the next opportunity.
> — Shammas Malik, Mayor

### Sources
- [‘Give me an opportunity’: Akron aims to level playing field for local small businesses with new program](https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/09/21/give-me-an-opportunity-akron-aims-level-playing-field-local-small-businesses-with-new-program) - Cleveland 19 News
- [Akron launches program meant to expand small business access to city contracts | Ideastream Public Media](https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-09-21/akron-launches-program-meant-to-expand-small-business-access-to-city-contracts) - Ideastream