Certification FAQs

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Certification Frequently Asked Questions

the-certification-process

Yes, small businesses can be certified for various designations, including WBE, MBE, VBE, and DBE. Small businesses may also be eligible for other certifications, such as HUBZone and 8(a) certifications.

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Documentation requirements can vary depending on the type of certification and the organization providing it. Generally, businesses will need to provide documentation related to their ownership, control, and operation, as well as financial and operational information.

Eligibility requirements vary based on the certification being sought. Generally, businesses must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by the individual(s) specified in the certification.

Certification can provide various benefits to a business, including access to government contracts, networking opportunities, continued education, and increased visibility. Additionally, certification can help to demonstrate a business's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

What qualifies as a minority may vary from certification to certification. You must also possess the ability to run your company independent of a non-qualifying individual. Some certifications require US Citizenship while others require legal residence. Requirements AND Eligibility may vary among Certifications. About 65% of the information required for certification is the same for almost every certification, but there can be quite a variety of required documentation. The required documentation is the minimum to be considered for certification. Be prepared to provide more than the minimum required documentation and to be able to answer every inconsistency with supporting documentation.

Not all business models qualify for certification. Each certification has its own requirements, but generally, your company must produce a good or service unless it is standard in the industry. Generally, Brokers and Holding Companies are not eligible unless it is an industry standard. There are restrictions on Franchises. Note: Even if you meet the criteria as a Qualifying Individual, your company's business model may not be eligible for Certification.

The cost of certification can vary depending on the type of certification and the organization providing it. Fees may include payment for application, review, and annual renewal.

Yes, businesses can be certified for multiple designations as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each certification.

Certification renewal requirements can vary depending on the type of certification and the organization providing it. Generally, businesses will need to renew their certification every one to three years.

The certification process can vary depending on the type of certification and the organization providing it. Generally, the process usually averages two to three months and involves a thorough review of a business's financial and operational information. Each company is unique within itself and the timeframe is determined by the company’s individual needs.

types-of-certification

Different Certifications Have Different Acronyms. For Example:

WBE = Women Business Enterprise
MBE = Minority Business Enterprise
VBE = Veteran Business Enterprise
VOSB/SDVOSB – Veteran Owned/Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
LGBTE = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Enterprise
DOBE – Disability Owned Business Enterprise
WOSB = Woman Owned Small Business
DBE = Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
SBE= Small Business Enterprise

States and Cities may have other certification acronyms including combining them, such as WMBE or M/WBE, etc.

This is not a comprehensive list, but meant to give you an idea of what you and your company may pursue, if you qualify.

MBE stands for Minority Business Enterprise certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by members of a recognized SBA “ethnic minority” group. MBE certification is provided by various organizations that are approved on the national and state level. Receiving a MBE certification is accepted by thousands of companies and will give access to enormous government budgets and nationally recognized corporations required to purchase from minority-owned businesses. MBE Certification is an essential marketing tool for expanding visibility among decision-makers in supply chain diversity and procurement.

DOT DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. This certification is provided by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and is required for certain federal contracts.

WOSB stands for Women-Owned Small Business Certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women. WOSB certification is provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and is required for certain federal contracts.

VBE stands for Veteran Business Enterprise certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans of the US military. VBE certification is provided by various organizations.

WBE stands for Women's Business Enterprise certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women. This program was created to help female business owners by awarding contracts within specific industries where females are underrepresented. WBE certification is provided by various organizations on the national and state level. Certification is accepted by thousands of corporations and government agencies, your WBE certification is an essential marketing tool for expanding visibility among decision-makers in supply chain diversity and procurement.

For entrepreneurs, finding the right resources, networks and contracts can make a huge difference when it comes to finding success. To certify your business, we must first determine which certification(s) your company may be eligible for. Getting your business certified will help open the doors to these opportunities and countless others in many different private and public sectors. Business certifications come with various resources and support that will help your company stand out among competitors. At Premier Certification Services we help clients determine the best certification path for your organization to maximize your business opportunities. The best way to decide is to determine what certification or certifications are accepted by your current clients. If you are going after a different vertical or diversifying your clients as part of your marketing strategy, you may opt to pursue a specific Certification to meet the needs of this new market. Though the process of certifying your business (and maintaining certification) may seem lengthy, many entrepreneurs find the benefits of certification well worth the time spent to then allow access to industry events, government contracts, networking opportunities, and more can help your business reach its fullest potential.

Obtaining the correct business certifications for your enterprise is crucial in order to gain easy access to both government and corporate contracts. Certification provides your business with a nationally-recognized and highly-respected status that makes your company stand out against marketplace competition for elite and distinguished clients. At Premier Certification Services, we not only ensure that you’re applying for the right business certifications, but we also help you identify additional opportunities along the way.

Different types of certifications include:

National - Typically required by publicly traded companies to meet Supplier Diversity Programs

Federal - Requires SAM registration and includes sole source contracts

DOT - Roadways, Highways, Bridges, Airports and Airport Concessions

State - Some, but not all, States have Certifications for Women and/or Minorities

Local - Some Counties and Cities have a local certification process

goverment-certification

Certification is not always required to do business with the government, but it can be beneficial. Some government contracts may require certification as a prerequisite for bidding or eligibility.

Did you know that the Federal Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods & services? Similar to the Federal Government, many large corporations require that a percentage of their corporate contracts go to women and minority-owned businesses. Government contracting is the process that lets you sell your goods or services to the government and its various agencies. The government has a contract, or agreement, with you whereby it purchases what you do or make. And U.S. government agencies buy a lot from small businesses – nearly $100 billion worth of goods and services each year! If you want to make the government your customer, there’s a good chance there’s a need for what you offer. As a small business owner with the proper certifications, you have the opportunity to secure these contracts. For businesses who don’t have a lot of experience marketing to Government contacts, the entire process can be overwhelming. There are a lot of avenues you can take to get your business out as a viable option.

State and Local WBE/MBE (Women/Minority Business Enterprise) certification is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women and/or members of a minority group. This certification is provided by state and local governments, and it may be required for certain contracts.