Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification

The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification is a program offered by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) to certify businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by members of minority groups in the United States. These groups include African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander American individuals.

The MBE certification is designed to help minority-owned businesses gain access to procurement opportunities with corporations and government agencies that have supplier diversity programs. The NMSDC is one of the largest certifying organizations in the United States, and it partners with over 1,450 corporations and public sector agencies to provide opportunities to certified MBEs.

To qualify for MBE certification, a business must be at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by one or more minority group members who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The business must also have been in operation for at least six months, be a profit-making enterprise, and have its headquarters located in the United States or its territories.

The MBE certification process involves an in-depth review of the business’s ownership, management, operations, and financials. The NMSDC also conducts site visits to verify the information provided in the application. Once certified, the MBE will need to renew its certification annually and may be subject to periodic site visits to ensure ongoing compliance with the certification requirements.

Certified MBEs may gain access to procurement opportunities with NMSDC corporate members and other participating corporations and government agencies. They may also have access to networking and training opportunities and may be eligible for other benefits such as access to capital, mentorship, and business development support.

You can learn more and apply for MBE certification here.