While there are many reasons to have your business certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”), the biggest benefit your company may gain is access to new accounts. Top companies in America have made it a priority to purchase goods and services from a diverse array of companies. In doing so, many of these businesses require their purchasing agents to buy directly from minority owned businesses.
Most purchasing companies will require certification so that there is no question as to the identities of the owners of the company. While there are many agencies able to provide certification, the general requirements are that the business must be owned, controlled and managed by U.S. citizens, and that a majority of the interest in the company be owned by a racial or ethnic minority.
Any company applying for the certification bears the responsibility of proving that his or her business meets the required criteria. Being certified usually requires the applicant to file an application and allow the certifier to visit the company’s premises and make the determinations necessary to qualify the business.
Many businesses have experienced tremendous growth following certification. If you have any questions regarding the MBE certification process, it is wise to speak with a professional experienced in helping companies gain certification.