MBE/DBE Certification

MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certifications are designed to help minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses compete for contracts and gain access to procurement opportunities in the public and private sectors. These certifications are granted by various agencies and organizations to promote diversity, support economic growth, and create a level playing field for these businesses.​

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MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Certification: This certification is granted to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by one or more minority individuals. Minority groups typically include African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans. MBE certification provides businesses with greater access to procurement opportunities, networking events, and resources that can help them grow and succeed.

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​The certification process usually involves submitting an application to a certifying agency or organization, such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or a local affiliate, providing documentation to prove ownership and control by minority individuals, and undergoing a site visit to confirm the information provided.​

 

DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Certification: This certification is for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, which typically include minority-owned and women-owned businesses, but may also include other disadvantaged groups depending on the certifying agency. The DBE certification is primarily used for federally funded transportation projects, where a certain percentage of contracts are set aside for DBE-certified businesses.

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​The certification process involves submitting an application to a local or state agency, such as a state Department of Transportation (DOT) or a Unified Certification Program (UCP), providing documentation to prove ownership and control by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and demonstrating the financial and operational independence of the business. The certifying agency will review the application, supporting documents, and may conduct a site visit to verify the information provided.