Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification
As one of the 39 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), SCOMSDC is required to have a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification process. MBE certification is an intensive, qualifying process that assures corporate member purchasing agents and buyers that a business is a viable minority-owned, managed and controlled enterprise. Corporate membership is voluntary and demonstrates the initiative of the private sector concerning minority business opportunities. Certification as an MBE is also voluntary and demonstrates the initiative of minority owned firms concerning growth and development of their businesses. There are over 150 corporate members and over 500 certified MBEs in the SCOMSDC network.
An increasing number of corporations recognize the value of minority supplier certification, and often require it, because they want to insure that procurement opportunities are truly focused and targeted to bona-fide MBEs. Certification is one of the validating tools that they use to support their reported MBE expenditures. Certification as an MBE is not mandatory, but it makes good business sense to be qualified as a part of the pool of MBE suppliers.
Application Forms
- MBE NEW Certification Application (PDF)
- MBE Recertification Application (PDF)
NOTE: This form is for CURRENT MBEs ONLY!
If your certification has expired, you must complete the New Certification Application.
- MBE Reciprocal Application (PDF)
ALL Reciprocals (New and Recertifying) use this form.
Must already be certified by the NMSDC affilitate where company is headquartered.
Applicant Criteria
Under the national standardized guidelines for MBE certification, as established by the NMSDC, the following criteria are used to determine minority ownership and control:
- The entity must be a profit enterprise, physically located in the United States or its trust territories.
- The organization must be able to demonstrate that the majority (51%) of the ownership, operational control and managerial control is held by minority group members (Minority group members are U.S. citizens who are African-American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian Pacific American and Asian Indian American.)
- The organization must be legally formed as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.
- The organization must be independent of any non-minority firm.
Once certified as an MBE, your company will begin to receive assistance in marketing efforts as you attempt to make contact with majority corporate purchasing agents and buyers. Certification also protects an MBE from accusations, such as being a "front" for a non-minority owned business thereby eliminating non-minority organizations from participating in programs established for MBEs. In addition, MBE certification affords the minority company the opportunity to join the network of our premier corporate members.
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Testimony
"Being a member of SCOMSDC has benefited the Kroger Co. Supplier Diversity program through discussions of benchmarking and best practices with other corporations which allowed us to evaluate our own program and implement improvements. It has also given us a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges of MBEs and how we can better assist them with the tools they need prior to introductions to decision makers. The “Conversation” was especially helpful in both areas."
