Minority Owned Business Certifications
Whether it’s DBE, MBE, WBE, or SBE… applying for certifications with the State of North Carolina or the City of Charlotte can be confusing. What do all these letters mean? Which program is right for you? These programs are designed to increase participation on federal, state, and locally funded projects by underutilized businesses. Businesses in these programs also receive special access to State and City Bids/Opportunities. No matter the business type, professional services, construction or even landscape management, everyone who is eligible can benefit from these 5 certification programs.
State Administered Programs
DBE Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
The DBE Program is a USDOT program administered by the state that applies to projects funded by USDOT federal-aid dollars, typically through state agencies, i.e. airports, local governments. To be eligible for DBE certification, the social and economic criteria of 49 CFR Part 26 must be met.
Eligibility:
You are presumed to be disadvantaged if you are a woman, Black American, Hispanic-American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, Subcontinent Asian American, or other minorities found to be disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Anyone outside of these groups may be eligible if they can establish their social and economic disadvantage.
Must be a small business as determined by SBA standards
For-profit business
Personal Net Worth under $1.32 million
At least 51% owned, operated, and control by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual
SBE – Small Business Enterprise Program
The Small Business Enterprise Program is a state program developed to provide contract opportunities for firms that meet the eligibility criteria, compete in their industries and markets. This program gives smaller businesses the opportunity to paritcipate in NCDOT (Department of Transportation) Construction Projects.
Eligibility:
Annual gross incomes up to $1.5 million
For-profit business
HUB – Historically Underutilized Business Program
The Historically Underutilized Business Program is a state program developed to provide contract opportunities for firms that meet the eligibility criteria, compete in their industries and markets.
Eligibility:
51% owned, operated, and controlled by
Minorities (Black, Hispanic, Asian-American, Native American)
Women
Disabled Persons
Socially or economically disadvantaged persons
MBE/WBE – Minority/Women Business Enterprise Program
Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise is a state program designed to ensure firms that meet the eligibility requirements are afforded the maximum opportunity to participate in contracts financed with state funds.
Eligibility:
The DBE certification process is used to become a certified MBE/WBE with NCDOT.
City Administered Programs
CBI-Charlotte Business Inclusion Program
The Charlotte Business Inclusion Program is a City of Charlotte program designed to enhance competition and participation of small, minority, and women owned firms in City contracting.
Eligibility:
51% owned, operated, and controlled by qualifying individual
Personal net worth not to exceed $750,000
Significant business presence in the Charlotte CSA (Anson, Cabarrus, Chester, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union, York
Provides a commercially useful function to the City
¼ SBA Size Standards
MWBEs must be certified through the HUB Program
For more information on each program and to apply for certification, please visit the website links below.
DBE - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
SBE – Small Business Enterprise Program
HUB – Historically Underutilized Business Program