Supplier Diversity Certifying Organizations
Complete directory of organizations that certify minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses. Find the right certification body for your business.
National Certifying Organizations
These organizations provide nationwide certification recognized by Fortune 500 corporations and major institutions.
National Minority Supplier Development Council
The premier certification for minority-owned businesses. Recognized by 1,400+ corporations.
- Certifications
- MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)
- Eligibility
- 51% minority-owned (African, Hispanic, Asian, Native American)
- Cost
- $270 - $1,700/year (based on revenue)
- Timeline
- 60-90 days
Women's Business Enterprise National Council
The largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S., recognized nationwide.
- Certifications
- WBE (Women Business Enterprise)
- Eligibility
- 51% women-owned, operated, and controlled
- Cost
- $350 - $1,500/year (based on revenue)
- Timeline
- 60-90 days
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses, connecting them to corporate and government buyers.
- Certifications
- LGBTBE (LGBT Business Enterprise)
- Eligibility
- 51% LGBT-owned
- Cost
- $400/year
- Timeline
- 30-60 days
Disability:IN
Certifies disability-owned business enterprises, driving inclusion in the corporate supply chain.
- Certifications
- DOBE (Disability-Owned Business Enterprise)
- Eligibility
- 51% owned by persons with disabilities
- Cost
- $425 - $650/year
- Timeline
- 30-60 days
National Veteran-Owned Business Association
Certifies veteran-owned businesses for corporate supplier diversity programs.
- Certifications
- VBE, SDVBE (Service-Disabled)
- Eligibility
- 51% veteran or service-disabled veteran owned
- Cost
- $350 - $650/year
- Timeline
- 30-60 days
Federal Government Programs
These programs are administered by the U.S. government and provide access to federal contracting opportunities.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Nine-year program for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. Access to sole-source contracts up to $4M.
- Administrator
- Small Business Administration
- Eligibility
- Socially/economically disadvantaged, under $250M revenue
- Cost
- Free
- Duration
- 9 years (development phases)
HUBZone Certification
For businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones. 10% price evaluation preference on contracts.
- Administrator
- Small Business Administration
- Eligibility
- Principal office and 35%+ employees in HUBZone
- Cost
- Free
- Timeline
- 60-90 days
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Set-aside contracts for service-disabled veteran owners. 3% federal contracting goal.
- Administrator
- SBA (via VA CVE)
- Eligibility
- 51% service-disabled veteran owned & controlled
- Cost
- Free
- Timeline
- 30-90 days
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Federal set-asides for women-owned businesses in underrepresented industries. 5% federal goal.
- Administrator
- Small Business Administration
- Eligibility
- 51% women-owned, under size standards
- Cost
- Free (self-certify or third-party)
- Timeline
- Varies
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Required for federally-funded transportation projects. Administered through state DOTs.
- Administrator
- Dept. of Transportation (via state DOTs)
- Eligibility
- Socially/economically disadvantaged, under $28.48M
- Cost
- Free
- Timeline
- 90-120 days
Regional Affiliates
National organizations operate through regional affiliates that process certifications and provide local support.
NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council
Visit WebsiteWhy Regional Affiliates Matter
Certification applications are processed by regional councils. They also host local networking events, business development programs, and matchmaking sessions with corporate members in your area.
Which Certification is Right for You?
| Feature | NMSDC (MBE) | WBENC (WBE) | SBA 8(a) | State Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Corporate contracts | Corporate contracts | Federal contracts | State/local contracts |
| Cost | $270-$1,700/yr | $350-$1,500/yr | Free | Usually free |
| Timeline | 60-90 days | 60-90 days | 90-180 days | 30-90 days |
| Recognition | Fortune 500 | Fortune 500 | Federal agencies | State only |
| Networking | National conferences | National conferences | PTACs, mentors | Local events |
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Find Your CertificationsLooking for State Certification Programs?
Every state has its own MBE, WBE, DBE, and small business certification programs. Many are free and can be combined with national certifications.
Browse All 50 States