CERT Program Relaunch

Overview

The Central Certification (CERT) Program, makes it easier for small and local companies to do business with the City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, Hennepin County and Ramsey County. Beyond local government, anyone can use the CERT directory to find certified small businesses.


Earlier this year the CERT collaborative announced that the day-to-day management of the CERT Program would transition from the City of Saint Paul to an outside company, Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc. 

Please join us on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST, for the CERT Program Relaunch webinar via Microsoft Teams. The new program administration team will provide program updates from the transition this year and share information on what to expect in 2025.

Who Should Attend?

The intended audience for the CERT Program Relaunch webinar includes: 

Program Structure

The CERT Program Relaunch webinar will serve as a time for the new program administration team and CERT collaborative partners to share information updates about the CERT Program. 

Attendees can expect to hear information on the following:


This webinar is intended primarily to share information and updates. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for our team that may be answered at a later time.  

Frequently Asked Questions

I am having trouble registering through the email invite. Is there another way to register?

If you have trouble registering through the email invite that was shared please click here to register.

Why is the CERT Program Relaunch Happening?

The webinar is intended to provide space to: 1) introduce the new program administration team, 2) share program updates from the transition this year; 3) learn how CERT collaborative partners engage certified businesses; and 4) introduce our communication structure and what to expect in 2025.

Who may attend the CERT Program Relaunch?

The intended audiences for the CERT Program Relaunch webinar are: 1) CERT collaborative partners and their staff; 2) CERT-certified businesses; 3) business owners interested in CERT certification; and 4) community partners. 

Where will the CERT Program Relaunch take place?

The webinar will take place virtually, via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, December 10th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM CST.

Is there a deadline to register for the CERT Program Relaunch?

Yes, please register by Monday, December 9th at 4:00 p.m. CST

Will I be able to ask questions during the CERT Program Relaunch?

This webinar is intended primarily to share information and updates. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for our team that may be answered at a later time.  

Will the CERT Program Relaunch be recorded?

Yes, the webinar will be recorded and shared with registered attendees.

Questions & Answers from CERT Program Relaunch

What email address is the database cleanup request coming from?

The Database cleanup request is sent through the CERT portal. 

I did not see where to search for CERT opportunities or if branding/design and marketing is often biddable?

You may search for CERT opportunities on the CERT login page at the bottom of the screen on the left, there are “CERT Contracting Opportunities” listed by Counties. Click here to be redirected to the CERT login page.

What if we have not been contacted about database cleanup?

Everyone in the CERT Database should have received an email through the CERT portal regarding database cleanup. The most common reason we see that business owners do not receive the database cleanup form is because an old email is on file in the CERT portal. If that is the case, please email us with your business name and the best email address to send the form to. 

Can we continue to apply via the MNUCP portal?

Yes, you may continue to apply via the MNUCP portal. 

How do we sign up for tech help? 

You may sign up for technical assistance here.

I'd like contact information for Ramsey County, Hennepin County, St. Paul and Minneapolis people.  Would you please share that information?

Ramsey County:



City of Saint Paul:



Hennepin County:







City of Minneapolis: