MWBE stands for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise. Being certified verifies that a business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by minorities (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) and/or women.
Many public agencies and private corporations have procurement goals specifically for MWBEs, leading to:
For businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups, MWBE certification can spark growth, brand credibility, and valuable industry connections!
3tone Digital is MWBE certified, it was a process, so we figured we’d develop this guide.
State-level, City-level, Federal-Level, etcTypes of MWBE Certifications
Certification options vary based on location and the kind of contracts or partnerships you seek:
State-Level MWBE:
For example, New York’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD) oversees a popular MWBE program that helps connect businesses to government contracts throughout the state:
- Alabama: Alabama Minority Owned Business Program (ADECA)
- Alaska: Alaska DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Arizona: AZDOT Business Engagement & Compliance (DBE)
- Arkansas: AR Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise
- California: CA Department of General Services – Small Business & DVBE
- Colorado: CO DOT DBE Program
- Connecticut: Connecticut Supplier Diversity Program
- Delaware: DE Office of Supplier Diversity
- Florida: FL Office of Supplier Diversity
- Georgia: GA Minority Business Certification
- Hawaii: State Procurement Office – Vendor Certification
- Idaho: ID Transportation Department – Civil Rights/DBE
- Illinois: IL Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
- Indiana: IN Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises
- Iowa: IA Targeted Small Business (TSB) Certification
- Kansas: KS Minority & Women Business Development
- Kentucky: KY Small, Minority & Women Business Enterprises
- Louisiana: LA Hudson Initiative (MBE/WBE)
- Maine: ME DOT DBE Program
- Maryland: MDOT Office of Minority Business Enterprise
- Massachusetts: MA Supplier Diversity Office
- Michigan: MI MBE/WBE Certification Overview
- Minnesota: MN Targeted Group/ED/VO Program
- Mississippi: MS Minority & Small Business Development
- Missouri: MO Office of Equal Opportunity
- Montana: MT DOT DBE Program
- Nebraska: NE DOT DBE Program
- Nevada: NV PTAC (Procurement Assistance)
- New Hampshire: NH DOT DBE Program
- New Jersey: NJ Minority & Women Business Enterprise
- New Mexico: NM DOT DBE Program
- New York: NYS Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development
- North Carolina: NC Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses
- North Dakota: ND DOT DBE Program
- Ohio: OH Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program
- Oklahoma: OK DOT DBE Program
- Oregon: OR Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID)
- Pennsylvania: PA Small & Small Diverse Business Program
- Rhode Island: RI Office of Diversity, Equity & Opportunity
- South Carolina: SC Governor’s Office of Small & Minority Business Assistance
- South Dakota: SD DOT DBE Program
- Tennessee: TN Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise
- Texas: TX Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program
- Utah: UT DOT DBE Program
- Vermont: VT Agency of Transportation DBE
- Virginia: VA Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
- Washington: WA Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises
- West Virginia: WV DOT DBE Program
- Wisconsin: WI Supplier Diversity Program
- Wyoming: WY DOT DBE Program
City-Level MWBE:
Larger cities (like New York City or Chicago) run their own certification programs to meet local government procurement targets.
Federal-Level Equivalents to MWBE:
While there’s no specific “MWBE” certification at the federal level, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers the 8(a) Business Development Program for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, as well as the WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) program.
Third-Party Certifiers for MWBE:
NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) focuses on minority-owned businesses.
WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) is recognized across the U.S. for certifying women-owned businesses.
Am I eligible for MWBE?MWBE Eligibility Requirements
Regardless of the agency, typical criteria include:
51% or Greater Ownership: By minorities or women who hold real, legal, and direct ownership.
Operational Control: Day-to-day decisions, strategic choices, and operational oversight must be led by the minority or women owners.
Financial Independence: The business must be able to operate independently without relying on non-minority or non-women financial backing that undermines the owner’s control.
Citizenship/Residency: Owners must usually be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
It’s crucial to read the fine print for each certifying body, as some have unique or additional requirements.
How to apply for MWBE?MWBE Application Process Overview
Here’s what the standard certification process often looks like:
Research: Identify which certification (state, city, or national) is right for your business. If you regularly bid on state contracts, a state-level certification makes sense.
Collect Documentation: Prepare to share tax returns (business and personal), business formation documents, resumes, financial statements, and proof of ownership.
Submit Application: Many agencies have an online portal. Some require notarized forms or fees.
Review & Site Visit: The certifying body may ask to conduct a site visit or interview the owners to confirm details.
Certification Granted: If approved, you’ll receive your official MWBE designation. Keep track of renewal deadlines!
Preparation Checklist: Documentation is vital to avoid delays or rejections.
Have these documents on hand:
Consider organizing your documents in a cloud drive or project management tool for easy sharing and updates.
What can go wrong with MWBE application?MWBE Common Pitfalls and Mistakes
Avoid these typical slip-ups:
Incomplete Applications: Missing signatures, outdated forms, or forgotten attachments can stall your progress.
Unclear Control/Ownership Structure: If the certifying body can’t confirm that minority/women owners truly control operations, they’ll likely deny your application.
Late Renewals: Certification must be maintained—so watch renewal or recertification windows closely.
Ignoring Agency Requests: If you get follow-up questions, respond promptly to stay on track.
How long does an MWBE application take?Timeline for MWBE Approval
State-Level: 60–90 days is typical, but can extend if the agency has a high volume of applications.
City-Level: Times vary; big-city programs can take 90–120 days.
Third-Party: Organizations like WBENC or NMSDC often finalize reviews in 60–90 days.
Delays happen when documentation is incomplete or if the agency requires a more detailed review of ownership.
Why pursue MWBE certification?Benefits of MWBE Certification
Preferential Contract Opportunities: Many government agencies and major corporations have procurement goals that require a certain percentage of spend with MWBEs.
Boosted Visibility: Appear in MWBE directories that prime contractors use to find diverse suppliers.
Networking & Training: Get priority invitations to conferences, workshops, and networking events.
Access to Capital: Some grants, loans, and funding programs specifically target MWBE-certified businesses.
How to keep MWBE certification active?How to Maintain MWBE Certification
Earning your MWBE certification is a significant milestone, but maintaining it is just as crucial. Many businesses lose their certification due to lapses in renewal, missing documentation, or failing to report key changes. Here’s how you can ensure your certification remains active and in good standing:
Renew MWBE Annually
Most MWBE programs require businesses to renew their certification every year or every few years, depending on the state or certifying agency. Failing to renew on time could result in your certification expiring, meaning you’d have to start the process all over again. Update the agency with current financials, ownership details, and contact information.
Notify Changes
Your certification is based on specific ownership, control, and operational structures. If these change, the certifying agency must be informed immediately. Any shift in ownership, location, or business structure should be reported immediately.
MWBE Re-Verification
Many MWBE programs require businesses to go through a more in-depth re-certification process every few years, which may include a site visit, additional documentation requests, or an interview with the business owner.
Some programs re-verify companies every few years. Stay prepared.
How to use my MWBE certification?Leveraging Your MWBE Certification
Securing your MWBE status is half the battle—using it effectively is the key to growth:
Get Listed: Join official databases like your state’s MWBE directory.
Promote It: Add MWBE badges to your website, proposals, and email signatures.
Network Strategically: Attend MWBE-focused expos and matchmaking events.
Bid Smarter: Seek out MWBE-preferenced RFPs (Requests for Proposals) at federal, state, and corporate levels.
Form Partnerships: Collaborate with other MWBEs to take on larger, more complex contracts.
We’re MWBE certified and you can be too!A Note from Reina
Hello! If you’re navigating the MWBE certification process or just getting your business off the ground, having the right digital presence is key. At 3tone Digital, we help businesses like yours build strong, professional websites and digital strategies that open doors to bigger opportunities.
As a minority-owned business owner, I know how important it is to have the right tools and support. If you need help setting up your website, refining your online presence, or just figuring out where to start, I’m here to help. Let’s make sure your business stands out.
Contact us if you need help with any of the following
We hope this guide clarifies the MWBE certification process and provides practical steps to get started. From our perspective, the certification can be a powerful catalyst for growth—especially when combined with a modern, optimized digital presence.
Disclaimer: 3tone Digital does not issue MWBE certifications; this information is for educational purposes. Always verify details with the official certifying agency or a qualified consultant.
