Congratulations on taking the steps to be certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in Maryland!
CLICK HERE IF YOU NEED HELP GETTING CERTIFIED!
You can be certified at the state level and at many of the local levels. Not all cities and counties in Maryland have what's called a MBE certification, but many have some sort of certification as a minority, small, woman-owned or veteran-owned business.
Why get certified? The certification simply helps you to compete and win government contracts that have been set aside for smaller or minority companies. For a smaller company, this certification can be great tool to help you win short and long term contracts. Government contracts can help you grow your company, increase revenue, add jobs, build capacity and be better prepared for larger contracts in the future.
To get certified, you have to meet the basic qualifications set forth by the state or that particular city or county. Then, you have to complete a packet of paperwork. The paperwork can be time consuming, but the long term benefits will probably outweigh the inconvenience of filling out a few documents now.
If you need help with completing your documents, finding contracting opportunities or creating your business development process, schedule a zoom session with us to discuss how we can help.
CLICK HERE IF YOU NEED HELP GETTING CERTIFIED!
Here are some links to certification programs and free resources in Maryland:
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE)
Maryland is committed to assisting small, minority and women-owned firms in gaining greater access to government contracting opportunities. OMBE is the official certification agency for Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and the federal U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. CLICK HERE IF YOU NEED HELP GETTING CERTIFIED!
Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs (GOMA)
The mission of the Governor's Office of Minority Affairs (GOMA) is facilitating minority business enterprise activities through coordinating and promoting government programs aimed at strengthening and preserving the state’s 200,000 minority and women owned businesses.
Maryland Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
The Maryland Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Network provides sound advice, counseling and support to entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses across the state.
Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program (MD PTAP)
PTAC's mission is to maximize the number of capable U.S. companies participating in the government marketplace by providing businesses with an understanding of the requirements of government contracting and the market know-how they need to obtain and successfully perform federal, state, and local government contracts, and supporting government agencies in reaching and working with the suppliers they need.
eMaryland Marketplace (eMM), the State of Maryland’s internet-based procurement system, is a business tool that provides an efficient means to improve vendor’s access to State procurement information.
Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)
The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses and attracting corporate and regional headquarters. Its role, central to its mission, is to be a catalyst for economic growth and sustainability in Howard County.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government that aides, counsels and protects the interests of small business. SBA offers a wide variety of programs and services and is the certification agency for the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone, Small Business and Women-Owned Small Business federal contract programs.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.
Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC)
The Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC) is one of 24 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
Their MISSION is to assist corporate members in improving the diversification and innovation of their supply chains by connecting them to well developed, certified minority business enterprises.
Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Certification & Affiliate Relations Office
WBENC fosters diversity in the world of commerce in an effort to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers for women business owners by encouraging the utilization and expansion of supplier/vendor diversity programs in corporate America. Members are certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE).
City of Baltimore Minority and Women’s Business Opportunity Office (MWBOO)
MWBOO is the certification agency for the City’s Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Program and its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program.
Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, Inc. (MWMCA)
MWMCA is a member organization that advocates for minority business inclusion in all public and private procurement and aligns itself with strategic corporate partners that add value to its organization. For its small business members MWMCA provides support, education, capacity building, and technical assistance to new and existing businesses. MWMCA monitors and facilitates inclusiveness, empowerment and opportunities for its members. MWMCA also provides certification assistance for Maryland Department of Transportation and Baltimore City’s minority business enterprise certification.
Maryland Minority Contractors Association, Inc. (MMCA)
The Maryland Minority Contractors Association, Inc. is a non-profit Maryland corporation, composed of minority and women business groups and individuals within the State of Maryland. Their mission is to provide assistance to minority and women owned businesses with respect to the development of their businesses, including, but not limited to, taking an active role in the review of legislation and programs that effect their well being.
Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT)
Taxpayer Services Division: The Taxpayer Services' Corporate Charter/Charter Legal Review unit is custodian of documents relating to the organization and ownership of many types of business entities that are required to file documents with the State. These documents include charters for Maryland corporations and qualifications and registrations for foreign corporations.
Maryland Small Business Reserve Program
The State of Maryland Small Business Reserve Program is committed to the growth and success of small businesses. The Small Business Reserve Program specifically targets small businesses registered with the Department of General Services where certain procurements may be designated as small business reserve only. For procurements designated as such, only certified small businesses will be awarded such procurements.
Maryland Linked Deposit Program
The Maryland Linked Deposit Program is a new, statewide initiative designed to stimulate opportunities for certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) by reducing the interest rate on loans they obtain from participating banks.
Maryland Department of Commerce
Maryland's one-stop economic development shop strives to attract new businesses, stimulate private investment, encourage the expansion and retention of existing companies and provide Maryland business with workforce training and financial assistance. The Department markets local products and services at home and abroad.
US Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (DOT/OSDBU)
The US Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (DOT/OSDBU) provide opportunities, technical assistance, and financial services to the small business community.
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by strengthening the wealth creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community, creating innovative and effective change in the business culture, building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations and transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Office of Procurement & Materials, DBE Branch
WMATA, Office of Community Relations is the certification agency for the Small Local Business Program (SLBP) and the federal U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)
Equal Opportunity Programs Department
MWAA’s equal opportunity programs help to maximize opportunities for small, disadvantaged, minority and women-owned businesses interested in competing for Authority-sponsored contracts. The Equal Opportunity Department is the certification agency for MWAA’s Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LDBE) Program and the federal U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
Small, Local Minority Business Enterprise Office (SLMBE)
The Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission is dedicated to creating an inclusive purchasing environment and expanding opportunities for small and local businesses. SLMBE is the certification agency for the Small, Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program.