Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)
Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) certification from Disability:IN connects disability-owned businesses with Fortune 500 companies committed to disability inclusion. As corporate focus on disability inclusion grows, this certification provides access to a growing segment of supplier diversity programs.
- Issuing body
- Disability:IN
- Cost
- $450 - $800
- Processing
- 45-90 days
- Recognition
- National
Who qualifies for DOBE?
To qualify for DOBE certification:
**Disability Status:**
- Owner must have a disability as defined by the ADA
- Physical, sensory, mental, or cognitive disabilities qualify
- Service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities qualify
**Ownership Requirements:**
- 51% owned by one or more persons with disabilities
- Owners must be U.S. citizens
**Control Requirements:**
- Disability owner(s) must control daily operations
- Must make long-term business decisions
How to apply for DOBE
**Step 1: Contact Disability:IN**
Reach out to begin the certification process.
**Step 2: Complete Application**
Provide business and disability information.
**Step 3: Submit Documentation**
Upload required business and personal documents.
**Step 4: Pay Fee**
Fees typically $250-$500.
**Step 5: Review**
Disability:IN reviews your application.
**Step 6: Certification**
Receive DOBE certification upon approval.
What you'll need to apply
**Disability Documentation:**
- Medical documentation or VA disability letter
- Self-certification of disability status
**Ownership Documents:**
- Articles of incorporation
- Operating agreement
- Stock certificates
**Business Documents:**
- Tax returns
- Financial statements
- Business licenses
What DOBE unlocks
**Corporate Access:**
- Connect with Disability:IN corporate partners
- Inclusion in supplier diversity databases
- Matchmaking opportunities
**Business Support:**
- Training and development resources
- Networking with other disability-owned businesses
- Advocacy support
Where applicants get tripped up
- Disability documentation is kept confidential
- Various disabilities qualify - don't self-exclude
- Consider combining with other certifications if eligible
Keeping your DOBE certification active
Annual renewal with updated documentation.
Companies that accept DOBE
64 corporate programs accept DOBE. First 12 below.
- Amazon f100
- Apple Inc. f100
- AT&T Inc. f100
- Boeing f500
- General Motors f100
- Google (Alphabet Inc.) f100
- Johnson & Johnson f100
- JPMorgan Chase f100
- Lockheed Martin f500
- McKesson f500
- Microsoft Corporation f100
- Target Corporation f100
Questions applicants ask about DOBE
What disabilities qualify?
Any disability covered under the ADA, including physical, sensory, mental, or cognitive disabilities.
Is DOBE recognized by federal government?
DOBE is a private certification. Federal government uses AbilityOne for some disability contracting.
I have a service-connected disability. Should I get DOBE or SDVOSB?
Consider both - SDVOSB for federal contracting, DOBE for corporate opportunities.
Pursuing DOBE?
The quiz checks your business against every federal, national, and state certification we track and orders the matches by which corporate or government buyers accept each one. Most owners qualify for two or three. If DOBE is one of yours, the application link goes directly to Disability:IN.