![CERT 2018 Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/banner__800_/public/Media%20Root/Cert-2018-Logo-5Color_1.jpg.webp?itok=j2RLEMde)
Twin Cities local governments are using our power as purchasers to expand economic opportunity locally.
Saint Paul has teamed up with Minneapolis, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County to do more business with local companies who have historically been shut out of the economic benefits of municipal contracting — emerging and small businesses, and enterprises owned by women and minority communities. The Central Certification Program, or CERT, is how we do it.
The CERT program makes it easier for small businesses in this area to do business with these local governments:
![The CERT area A map of counties in the Twin Cities area: Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota, and Pierce and St. Croix Counties in Wisoconsin.](/sites/default/files/styles/banner__800_/public/2024-04/2024%20Map%20of%20CERT%20Program%20Area_0.jpg.webp?itok=5-kbBEID)