Minority, Women, Veteran, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certifications 101

Quick Links

*Download The Value of Diverse Business Certifications handbook (published by the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council) to learn which certification is right for you.*

*For no-cost assistance with certifications, see the Management Education & Technical Assistance section on the Assistance for Suppliers page.*

Empower Your Business with M/W/VBE Certifications

If you’re a minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned business, gaining certification as an MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise), VBE (Veteran Business Enterprise), or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) can open doors to new growth opportunities. These certifications validate your business's ownership status and allow you to access resources and partnerships that are designed to help diverse businesses thrive.

Key Benefits of M/W/VBE Certification

1. Access to Government Contracts

Many federal, state, and local agencies are required to allocate a portion of their contracts to certified minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses. This means your business could gain direct access to lucrative opportunities that may be unavailable to uncertified competitors.

2. Corporate Contracting Opportunities

Large corporations often have diversity procurement programs, seeking to partner with certified businesses to fulfill their diversity goals. M/W/VBE certifications make your business more visible to corporate buyers who prioritize working with diverse suppliers.

3. Networking and Business Development

Certification connects you with a broader network of like-minded entrepreneurs, government agencies, and corporations. Many certifying agencies offer networking events, business training, mentorship, and access to financial resources.

4. Increased Credibility

Having a recognized certification provides a stamp of approval that validates your business as an authentic, diverse-owned entity. This credibility can enhance your business's reputation, opening new doors for partnerships, contracts, and clients.

Common Types of M/W/VBE Certifications

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) – For businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals who are part of a recognized minority group.

Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) – For businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women.

Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) – For businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans.

Other certifications you may want to consider include Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), designed for economically disadvantaged businesses, and LGBTQ Business Enterprise for LGBTQ+ owned businesses. See the INDOT DBE/ACDBE program page for information on Indiana Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certifications.

Tips for Getting Started with Certification

1. Understand the Requirements

Each certification has specific criteria. Typically, your business must be at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by the qualifying individual or group (e.g., minority, woman, or veteran). Ensure that you meet these criteria before starting the application.

2. Gather Your Documentation

Certification agencies will require detailed documentation, including proof of ownership, financial records, and business operation details. Having these documents organized in advance can streamline the process.

3. Choose the Right Certifying Body

Depending on your goals, you may want to get certified by different agencies. Private entities and State/local government agencies offer certification programs (for Indiana, see the Indiana Department of Administration Division of Supplier Diversity), as well as specialized options for federal contracts like the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. Download The Value of Diverse Business Certifications handbook (published by the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council) to learn which certification is right for you.

4. Leverage Certification Resources

For no-cost assistance with certifications, see the Management Education & Technical Assistance section on the Assistance for Suppliers page. Some certifying bodies also offer support throughout the application process.

5. Stay Engaged After Certification

Once you are certified, don’t stop there! Take advantage of networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and exclusive resources to help your business grow. Keep your certification current by meeting renewal requirements.

Achieving M/W/VBE certification is a strategic step to enhancing your business’s credibility and gaining access to valuable opportunities. By becoming certified, you’ll unlock resources, contracts, and partnerships that are designed to help diverse businesses succeed.

Start your certification journey today and see how it can propel your business to new heights!