What is MBE Certification?

Eligibility Requirements for MBE Small Business Certification:

• Business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled on a daily basis by one or more American citizens of the following ethnic minority classifications:
  • African American
  • Asian-Pacific American
  • Asian-Indian American
  • Hispanic American
  • Native American
• Applicant(s) must be able to prove ethnicity at a minimum of 25%.
• Applicant(s) must be U.S. Citizens
• Applicant(s) must work at the applicant firm full-time with no conflicting outside employment or ownership
• Business is a for-profit enterprise.
• Business is physically located in the U.S. or its trust territories.
• Business must be legally organized and in good standing to do business
• Applicant(s) must be active in management and daily business operations
• Business cannot be owned by an irrevocable trust

Benefits of MBE Small Business Program Participation

• Access to top corporate purchasing agents & premium business connection events
• Region or industry-specific newsletters & vital introductions to national corporate members
• Specialized procurement conferences & trade fairs
• Supplier diversity summits & roundtable discussions
• Professional development fellowships
  Mentor-Protégé pairings and other educational and/or development programs
• Technical and/or financial assistance & support
• Networking opportunities, which include state & local contracting opportunities