State & Local Level Registrations

State & Local Level Registrations

State & Local Level Registrations

MBE

MBE Certification is a state-level registration that designates your business as being
at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by an ‘ethnic minority’ individual(s).

The purpose of the MBE Certification is to provide opportunities for minority-owned businesses
to access government contracts and expand their presence in the marketplace.

MBE

MBE Certification is a state-level registration that designates your business as being
at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by an ‘ethnic minority’ individual(s).

The purpose of the MBE Certification is to provide opportunities for minority-owned businesses
to access government contracts and expand their presence in the marketplace.

MBE

MBE Certification is a state-level registration that designates your business as being
at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by an ‘ethnic minority’ individual(s).

The purpose of the MBE Certification is to provide opportunities for minority-owned businesses
to access government contracts and expand their presence in the marketplace.

MBE Certification Benefits

MBE Certification makes your business more appealing to State, Local, and Municipal agencies. In addition, large corporations typically have supplier diversity programs to ensure that a percentage of their budgets are used to buy products/services from MBE Certified businesses.

MBE Certification Benefits

MBE Certification makes your business more appealing to State, Local, and Municipal agencies. In addition, large corporations typically have supplier diversity programs to ensure that a percentage of their budgets are used to buy products/services from MBE Certified businesses.

MBE Certification Benefits

MBE Certification makes your business more appealing to State, Local, and Municipal agencies. In addition, large corporations typically have supplier diversity programs to ensure that a percentage of their budgets are used to buy products/services from MBE Certified businesses.

  • Access to Contract Opportunities

    Access to government and private sector contracts that are specifically set aside for minority-owned businesses. This can open doors to new business and revenue streams that may not have been available otherwise.

  • Competitive Edge

    Gives you a competitive edge when bidding for contracts, as it demonstrates that you meet certain standards and criteria, making you a preferred choice among buyers.

  • Building Block for Federal Contracting

    The MBE Certification offers more accessible qualification criteria than federal certifications making it ideal for businesses that do not yet meet these requirements, as well as gain contracting performance history.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Provides opportunities to connect with other minority-owned businesses and potential clients through various events and networking opportunities. This can help you build new relationships and network with industry contacts.

  • Access to Funding and Resources

    Access to funding and resources, such as loans, grants, purchasing networks, and training programs, which can help your business grow and succeed.

  • Improved Credibility

    Improve the credibility of your business, as it demonstrates that you have been independently verified as minority-owned and meet certain standards, instilling trust and confidence among clients and partners.

  • Access to Contract Opportunities

    Access to government and private sector contracts that are specifically set aside for minority-owned businesses. This can open doors to new business and revenue streams that may not have been available otherwise.

  • Competitive Edge

    Gives you a competitive edge when bidding for contracts, as it demonstrates that you meet certain standards and criteria, making you a preferred choice among buyers.

  • Building Block for Federal Contracting

    The MBE Certification offers more accessible qualification criteria than federal certifications making it ideal for businesses that do not yet meet these requirements, as well as gain contracting performance history.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Provides opportunities to connect with other minority-owned businesses and potential clients through various events and networking opportunities. This can help you build new relationships and network with industry contacts.

  • Access to Funding and Resources

    Access to funding and resources, such as loans, grants, purchasing networks, and training programs, which can help your business grow and succeed.

  • Improved Credibility

    Improve the credibility of your business, as it demonstrates that you have been independently verified as minority-owned and meet certain standards, instilling trust and confidence among clients and partners.

  • Access to Contract Opportunities

    Access to government and private sector contracts that are specifically set aside for minority-owned businesses. This can open doors to new business and revenue streams that may not have been available otherwise.

  • Competitive Edge

    Gives you a competitive edge when bidding for contracts, as it demonstrates that you meet certain standards and criteria, making you a preferred choice among buyers.

  • Building Block for Federal Contracting

    The MBE Certification offers more accessible qualification criteria than federal certifications making it ideal for businesses that do not yet meet these requirements, as well as gain contracting performance history.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Provides opportunities to connect with other minority-owned businesses and potential clients through various events and networking opportunities. This can help you build new relationships and network with industry contacts.

  • Access to Funding and Resources

    Access to funding and resources, such as loans, grants, purchasing networks, and training programs, which can help your business grow and succeed.

  • Improved Credibility

    Improve the credibility of your business, as it demonstrates that you have been independently verified as minority-owned and meet certain standards, instilling trust and confidence among clients and partners.

MBE Eligibility

MBE Eligibility

Qualification Criteria to be a MBE Certified Small Business with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):

  • Business owner must be a U.S. Citizen operating a for-profit business.

  • 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a member(s) of an 'ethnic minority' group who is at least 25% African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, or Native American.

  • The top executive officer responsible for managing the daily operations has experience in the business’s field of endeavor, and must be a minority and primary owner of the business spending at least 40 hours per week at the business.

MBE Eligibility

MBE Eligibility

Qualification Criteria to be a MBE Certified Small Business with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):

  • Business owner must be a U.S. Citizen operating a for-profit business.

  • 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a member(s) of an 'ethnic minority' group who is at least 25% African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, or Native American.

  • The top executive officer responsible for managing the daily operations has experience in the business’s field of endeavor, and must be a minority and primary owner of the business spending at least 40 hours per week at the business.

MBE Eligibility

MBE Eligibility

Qualification Criteria to be a MBE Certified Small Business with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):

  • Business owner must be a U.S. Citizen operating a for-profit business.

  • 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a member(s) of an 'ethnic minority' group who is at least 25% African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, or Native American.

  • The top executive officer responsible for managing the daily operations has experience in the business’s field of endeavor, and must be a minority and primary owner of the business spending at least 40 hours per week at the business.

FAQ's

Am I eligible for certification if I recently started my business?
Yes, MBE Certification guidelines do not preclude emerging or start-up businesses from being certified, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
I am a resident alien/green card holder, am I eligible for MBE Certification?
No, unfortunately not. Resident aliens or green cardholders do not qualify to for MBE Certification.
Is there a submission fee paid directly to the certifying agency for my MBE Certification?
Yes, there is a submission fee paid directly from you to the certifying agency in addition to our processing fee. The submission fee is based on revenue and geographical area, typically between $300 – $400.
Does my MBE Certification have to be renewed annually?
Yes, there is an annual processing fee and  submission fee paid directly from you to the certifying agency based on revenue and geographical area, typically between $300 – $400.
What countries of origin qualify as 'ethnic minorities'?
AFRICAN-AMERICAN/BLACK – A U.S. citizen having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Sub-Sahara Africa. These countries include the following: Angola; Benin; Botswana; Burkina-Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; Comoros; Democratic Republic of Congo; Cote d’lvoire; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Sao Tome & Principe; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda; Western Sahara; Zambia; and Zimbabwe. Caribbean natives of African descent and Brazilians (Afro-Brazilian, indigenous/Indian only) are also eligible.
HISPANIC/LATINO-AMERICAN– A U.S. citizen of true-born Latin heritage from any of the Spanish-speaking areas of Latin America or the following regions: Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean basin only. Brazilians (Afro-Brazilian, indigenous/Indian only) shall be listed under Hispanic designation for review and certification purposes.
NATIVE AMERICAN/ALASKA NATIVE – A person who is an American Indian, Inuit, Aleut or Native Hawaiian, and regarded as such by the community of which the person claims to be a part. Native Americans must be documented members of a North American tribe, band or otherwise organized group of native people who ware indigenous to the United States and proof can be provided through a Native American Blood Degree Certificate.
ASIAN, ASIAN INDIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN – A U.S. citizen whose origins are from the Asian/Pacific Islander region. These countries include the following: Bangladesh; Cambodia; China; Guam; India; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Laos; Malaysian; Nepal; Pakistan; the Philippines; Samoa; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Tibet; Taiwan; the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific or the Northern Marianas; and, Vietnam.
What is the difference between MBE and DBE Certifications?
While both MBE and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) are certifications aimed at providing opportunities to businesses facing certain disadvantages, the MBE focuses specifically on businesses owned by members of recognized minority groups. DBE certification encompasses a broader range, including businesses owned by women, veterans, and other economically or socially disadvantaged individuals. While an MBE certification is often at the state or local level, DBE is a federal certification, primarily linked to U.S. Department of Transportation-funded projects.

FAQ's

Am I eligible for certification if I recently started my business?
Yes, MBE Certification guidelines do not preclude emerging or start-up businesses from being certified, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
I am a resident alien/green card holder, am I eligible for MBE Certification?
No, unfortunately not. Resident aliens or green cardholders do not qualify to for MBE Certification.
Is there a submission fee paid directly to the certifying agency for my MBE Certification?
Yes, there is a submission fee paid directly from you to the certifying agency in addition to our processing fee. The submission fee is based on revenue and geographical area, typically between $300 – $400.
Does my MBE Certification have to be renewed annually?
Yes, there is an annual processing fee and  submission fee paid directly from you to the certifying agency based on revenue and geographical area, typically between $300 – $400.
What countries of origin qualify as 'ethnic minorities'?
AFRICAN-AMERICAN/BLACK – A U.S. citizen having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Sub-Sahara Africa. These countries include the following: Angola; Benin; Botswana; Burkina-Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; Comoros; Democratic Republic of Congo; Cote d’lvoire; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Sao Tome & Principe; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda; Western Sahara; Zambia; and Zimbabwe. Caribbean natives of African descent and Brazilians (Afro-Brazilian, indigenous/Indian only) are also eligible.
HISPANIC/LATINO-AMERICAN– A U.S. citizen of true-born Latin heritage from any of the Spanish-speaking areas of Latin America or the following regions: Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean basin only. Brazilians (Afro-Brazilian, indigenous/Indian only) shall be listed under Hispanic designation for review and certification purposes.
NATIVE AMERICAN/ALASKA NATIVE – A person who is an American Indian, Inuit, Aleut or Native Hawaiian, and regarded as such by the community of which the person claims to be a part. Native Americans must be documented members of a North American tribe, band or otherwise organized group of native people who ware indigenous to the United States and proof can be provided through a Native American Blood Degree Certificate.
ASIAN, ASIAN INDIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN – A U.S. citizen whose origins are from the Asian/Pacific Islander region. These countries include the following: Bangladesh; Cambodia; China; Guam; India; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Laos; Malaysian; Nepal; Pakistan; the Philippines; Samoa; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Tibet; Taiwan; the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific or the Northern Marianas; and, Vietnam.
What is the difference between MBE and DBE Certifications?
While both MBE and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) are certifications aimed at providing opportunities to businesses facing certain disadvantages, the MBE focuses specifically on businesses owned by members of recognized minority groups. DBE certification encompasses a broader range, including businesses owned by women, veterans, and other economically or socially disadvantaged individuals. While an MBE certification is often at the state or local level, DBE is a federal certification, primarily linked to U.S. Department of Transportation-funded projects.

FAQ's

Am I eligible for certification if I recently started my business?
Yes, MBE Certification guidelines do not preclude emerging or start-up businesses from being certified, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
I am a resident alien/green card holder, am I eligible for MBE Certification?
No, unfortunately not. Resident aliens or green cardholders do not qualify to for MBE Certification.
Is there a submission fee paid directly to the certifying agency for my MBE Certification?
Yes, there is a submission fee paid directly from you to the certifying agency in addition to our processing fee. The submission fee is based on revenue and geographical area, typically between $300 – $400.
Does my MBE Certification have to be renewed annually?
Yes, there is an annual processing fee and  submission fee paid directly from you to the certifying agency based on revenue and geographical area, typically between $300 – $400.
What countries of origin qualify as 'ethnic minorities'?
AFRICAN-AMERICAN/BLACK – A U.S. citizen having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Sub-Sahara Africa. These countries include the following: Angola; Benin; Botswana; Burkina-Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; Comoros; Democratic Republic of Congo; Cote d’lvoire; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Sao Tome & Principe; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda; Western Sahara; Zambia; and Zimbabwe. Caribbean natives of African descent and Brazilians (Afro-Brazilian, indigenous/Indian only) are also eligible.
HISPANIC/LATINO-AMERICAN– A U.S. citizen of true-born Latin heritage from any of the Spanish-speaking areas of Latin America or the following regions: Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean basin only. Brazilians (Afro-Brazilian, indigenous/Indian only) shall be listed under Hispanic designation for review and certification purposes.
NATIVE AMERICAN/ALASKA NATIVE – A person who is an American Indian, Inuit, Aleut or Native Hawaiian, and regarded as such by the community of which the person claims to be a part. Native Americans must be documented members of a North American tribe, band or otherwise organized group of native people who ware indigenous to the United States and proof can be provided through a Native American Blood Degree Certificate.
ASIAN, ASIAN INDIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN – A U.S. citizen whose origins are from the Asian/Pacific Islander region. These countries include the following: Bangladesh; Cambodia; China; Guam; India; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Laos; Malaysian; Nepal; Pakistan; the Philippines; Samoa; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Tibet; Taiwan; the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific or the Northern Marianas; and, Vietnam.
What is the difference between MBE and DBE Certifications?
While both MBE and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) are certifications aimed at providing opportunities to businesses facing certain disadvantages, the MBE focuses specifically on businesses owned by members of recognized minority groups. DBE certification encompasses a broader range, including businesses owned by women, veterans, and other economically or socially disadvantaged individuals. While an MBE certification is often at the state or local level, DBE is a federal certification, primarily linked to U.S. Department of Transportation-funded projects.
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