FOR MBEs

Certification

Apply through NMSDC Central, the national Online Certification and Re-certification Application is integrated with NMSDC’s Minority Supplier Management Information Database.

Online Certification Process for MBEs

Getting Certified

How to get started:

  1. Attend a mandatory MMSDC Pre-Certification Briefing to obtain access to the online application.
  2. Review certification criteria below to ensure that your business qualifies.
  3. Complete the online application.
  4. Gather and upload the required documentation. Documentation requirements are listed directly below.
  5. Submit application fee online using a credit card.
  6. Once all documentation is completed, uploaded, and validated by MMSDC Certification staff, a site visit will be scheduled.
  7. The application will be scheduled to be presented to the Certification Committee for recommendation.
  8. The Executive Committee reviews and ratifies the recommendation of the Certification Committee.
  9. Upon the decision of the Executive Committee the applicant is notified.

MBE Login/Registration

Please select the appropriate statement below that match your current status. Please note that you will be leaving minoritysupplier.org.*

CERTIFICATION CRITERIA
Criteria for Certification:
  • United States citizen.
  • Minority businesses must be at least 51% minority-owned, actively operated, and controlled. For the purposes of NMSDC’s program, a minority group member is an individual who is at least 25% Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American. Minority eligibility is established via a combination of screenings, interviews, and site visits. Ownership, in the case of a publicly owned business, means that at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minority group members.
  • Must be a for-profit enterprise physically located in the U. S. or its territories.
  • Management and daily operations must be exercised by minorities.
  • *Additional minor eligibility criteria.
  • To learn more about the standardization process and some of the benefits of MBE certification, go to the link directly below.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
Required documentation: (documents will vary by business types – below is a sample for corporations)
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Stock Certificates and Stock Ledger
  • Minutes to Board of Director’s meetings as well as Shareholder’s meetings
  • Bylaws (executed and attested) and Amendments (if applicable)
  • All agreement(s) pertaining to ownership, operation, and control of the business
  • Business cards that list appropriate corporate titles, copies of resumes, copy of driver’s licenses and proof of US Citizenship (Birth certificates or U.S. Passports only) for all Principals
  • Corporate Bank Resolution Agreement(s) to include Bank Signature Card(s)
  • Business Lease Agreement(s) (and Security Deeds if home-based)
  • Proof of general liability insurance and in some cases bonding
  • Copies of the businesses’ canceled checks
APPLICATION PROCESS
What you should know about the application process:
  • The Certification process can take up to 90 days.
  • Before you begin the online application, you will need to attend a Pre-Certification Briefing where you will be provided access to the online application.
  • Upon saving your information, you will be able to access your application at our next session.
  • The processing of your application will begin when payment is received.
  • Application and documents are reviewed for completeness and accuracy.
  • Once all documents are reviewed and the application is complete and accurate, a site visit will be scheduled by a Certification staffer.
  • The Certification Committee meets regularly to review applications for MBE Certification.
  • The Certification Committee makes its recommendation to the Executive Finance Committee (EFC).
  • The EFC will review the Certification Committee’s recommendation and make the final decision.
  • If your application is approved, you will be notified via e-mail.
  • If the Board rejects your application, you may submit a letter of appeal within 30 days.
STANDARDIZED PROCEDURES
Our standardization process: Our standardization process: Certification Policy and Procedures Manual is firmly adhered to by its 23 Regional Affiliates for the certification of minority-owned businesses. Certified MBEs will be recognized by all national corporate members of the NMSDC Network as nationally certified. This means that MBEs will be able to subscribe to a Regional Affiliate and enjoy fee-based, value-added services and support that are unique to their specific market. NMSDC’s rigorous certification process requires that minority businesses are at least 51% minority-owned, actively operated, and controlled. Eligibility is established by conducting a series of screenings, interviews, and site visit. This distinguishes NMSDC from other organizations or entities who publish directories allowing for “self-certification” as their standard. Stringent standardization also identifies bona fide minority businesses, helping purchasing agents report expenditures as well as vendor utilization rates. These procedures help measure overall performance and progress.