Minority Business Enterprise Certification Program
The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification is designed for businesses that are minority or women-owned. This certification can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and credibility within the SAM government contracts market. We can help you apply.
The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification is designed for businesses that are minority or women-owned. This certification can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and credibility within the SAM government contracts market. We can help you apply.
Securing the MBE Certification can unlock numerous opportunities for your business. Here’s how it can benefit you:
To qualify for MBE Certification, your business must meet the following criteria:
Eligible groups for the MBE Certification include:
Wondering if you qualify for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification and if it’s the right fit for your business? Our specialists are ready to assist you. CLICK HERE to get support from our MBE consultants!
MBE Certification
Minority Business Enterprise certification is a designation awarded to small businesses owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members and is issued through authorized entities, including national, state, and local organizations. When combined with SAM registration and the Small Business Administration‘s 8(a) Business Development Program, it plays a role in supporting minority-owned businesses in the SAM government contracts procurement process. These certifying organizations conduct thorough reviews to ensure that businesses meet the required criteria to get approved. Our MBE application services are here to help.
Certification offers several advantages, including access to exclusive business opportunities, resources, and networks. After registering with SAM, certified businesses can compete for SAM government contracts set aside for minority-owned companies. In addition, approved businesses can get access to the GSA schedule, gain visibility among corporations seeking diverse suppliers, plus benefit from training and development programs.
Yes, while obtaining SAM registration is needed for bidding on most government contracts, getting MBE certified can enhance your prospects. The certification offers preferential treatment in the procurement process. Furthermore, when combined with participation in the 8(a) Business Development Program, additional opportunities and support may be available. Many government agencies set targets and quotas for awarding contracts to minority-owned businesses. This makes certification valuable for boosting competitiveness and eligibility.
To be eligible, a business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members. Minorities include individuals who are African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, and Asian-Indian American. The owner(s) must also be U.S. citizens.
The process for certification typically involves:
Need help getting started? We can help you apply.
No, it does not require being registered with SAM. These are separate processes with different purposes. While MBE specifically recognizes businesses owned and operated by minorities, SAM is required for businesses to bid on almost all federal contracts.
However, having both can be highly advantageous. MBE registration can strengthen your capability to secure contracts, such as the GSA Schedule, especially those with set-asides for minority-owned businesses. Our MBE consultants recommend registering with both to maximize their potential for growth and access to resources.
It is generally valid for one year. To maintain certification, businesses must complete an annual renewal process, which typically involves submitting updated documentation and possibly undergoing another review. It is important to start the renewal process early to avoid any interruptions in your certified status. We can help you renew your MBE certification.
Yes, there are specific goals and quotas for MBE participation in federal contracts. The federal government aims to award at least 23% of all prime contract dollars to small businesses, with specific targets for minority-owned businesses.
For more detailed information and assistance with the process of getting certified as a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise or support with federal contracts, reach out to the Federal Contracting Center. Our MBE contract specialists are here to help you every step of the way.