Minority Business Enterprise

Access to Corporate Contracts:

• Direct access to supplier diversity programs at 1,500+ corporations
• Invitation to matchmaking events with corporate buyers
• Listing in the NMSDC database searchable by corporations

Business Development:

• Training programs on capacity building
• Mentorship opportunities with established suppliers
• Access to the NMSDC Conference & Business Opportunity Exchange

Financial Benefits:

• Access to NMSDC's Business Consortium Fund for financing
• Preferred lending programs
• Bonding assistance programs

Recognition:

• National certification recognized across all 50 states
• Use of the MBE certification mark
• Enhanced credibility with corporate and government buyers

To qualify for MBE certification, your business must meet these requirements:

Ownership Requirements:

• At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by U.S. citizens who are members of one or more of these ethnic groups:
• African American
• Hispanic American
• Native American (including Alaska Natives)
• Asian-Pacific American
• Asian-Indian American

Control Requirements:

• Minority owner(s) must have day-to-day operational control
• Minority owner(s) must make independent business decisions
• Management responsibilities cannot be delegated to non-minority individuals

Business Requirements:

• Must be a for-profit enterprise
• Must be operational and have been in business for at least one year (some councils waive this)
• Must demonstrate that the business is a going concern
• Cannot be a franchise unless the franchisor is also minority-owned

Prepare these documents for your MBE application:

Personal Documents:

• Personal tax returns (3 years)
• Birth certificate or naturalization papers
• Driver's license or state ID
• Resume of minority owner(s)
• Personal financial statement

Business Documents:

• Business tax returns (3 years)
• Profit & Loss statements (current year)
• Balance sheet (current)
• Business licenses and permits
• Articles of incorporation or organization
• Operating agreement or bylaws
• Stock certificates or ownership documentation
• Commercial lease or deed
• Bank statements (recent)
• Client contracts or purchase orders

Legal Documents:

• Any partnership agreements
• Loan agreements
• Franchise agreements (if applicable)
• Buy-sell agreements (if any)

Step 1: Find Your Regional Council NMSDC certification is processed through regional affiliate councils. Visit nmsdc.org to find the council serving your state.

Step 2: Create an Online Account Register on your regional council's portal and complete the pre-application questionnaire.

Step 3: Complete the Application Fill out the full application with detailed business information. Be thorough and accurate.

Step 4: Upload Documents Scan and upload all required documentation. Missing documents delay processing.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee Fees typically range from $350-$650 depending on your regional council and company size.

Step 6: Site Visit A council representative will conduct an on-site visit to verify business operations. This typically happens 30-60 days after application submission.

Step 7: Certification Decision After the site visit, the certification committee reviews your application. Expect a decision within 60-90 days of a complete application.

MBE certification must be renewed annually:

• Renewal applications are due before your certification expiration
• You'll need to submit updated financial documents
• Fees are typically $250-$500 annually
• Site visits may be required every few years
• Report any significant changes in ownership or control immediately

Failure to renew on time results in lapsed certification and loss of access to corporate opportunities.