Questions about MBE, WBE, DBE, 8(a) or SDVOB certification

If your company is conducting B2B business, the answer is yes. However, how well a company markets and commercialized its certification determines its real value, which is where our clients find our marketing services to be of great value.  Once certified, we assist minority-owned and women-owned businesses with entering the government procurement marketplace, as well as, applying to U.S. corporate supplier diversity programs; both provide access to opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

While some certifications do accept sole proprietorships, we strongly advise against it, due to the inherent risk of personal liability.  Just ask us to add entity formation to your scope of work, which will also allow us to ensure, every aspect of the new entity is 100% eligible for MBE, WBE, DBE 8(a) or SDVOB certification.

As provided below, some certifications do require U.S. Citizenship, while others do not:

Do not require
Citizenship:
WBENC WBE, DBE, as well as, the majority of state and local programs (though, legal residency/green card is always required)
Do require
U.S. Citizenship:
NMSDC MBE, 8(a) & WOSB

This is a common, yet complicated area of eligibility.  In some instances, the answer may be ‘yes’ provided both firms do not operate similar businesses and/or within similar industries.  In our experience, common ownership in a similar business/industry is often grounds for denial, and at the very least, causes an application to be flagged for potential fraud.

Yes.  Qualifying owners must prove they provided capital commensurate with his or her ownership percentage.

Yes, if applying for DBE or 8(a) certification. The 8(a) and DBE programs have different personal net worth caps that apply to the qualifying owner(s). Additionally, there are some states and local certification programs that have similar requirements.

The 8(a) Business Development Program requires two years of business activity; however, applicants may apply for a waiver.  Additionally, there are a few states and local certification programs with one (1) year requirements. Conversely, the NMSDC-MBE, WBENC-WBE and DBE regulations stipulate a firm cannot be denied solely because it is a newly formed entity.

Questions about MWBE Enterprises Services and Fees

Yes, there is a fee for the Eligibility Analyses.  Additionally, fees for all other services, for example, to prepare a client’s application are based on each client’s specific circumstances and requested scope work.  Pricing is provided at the end of the Eligibility Analysis using an all-inclusive, total, per-project price.

 If you would like us to review your application before its submission, please click here.

Questions about the Eligibility Analysis

Yes, we offer two types: a Complete Eligibility Analysis (cost $500; duration 90 mins); and a Mini Eligibility Analysis (cost $300; duration 30 mins).  Descriptions for both services are belowNOTE: the Mini Eligibility Analysis is not available for DBE or 8(a) applicants, previously declined firms or firms with ineligible owners (i.e., an owner who is not a woman or not a member of a Presumed Group (see MBE page for definition).

 

The Complete Eligibility Analysis (90 mins) is a thorough, in-depth review of a firm’s eligibility before applying.  During the service areas of the firm’s ineligibility for MBE, WBE, DBE or 8(a) certification are identified, and potential solutions are discussed; a reliable timeline to acquire certification is also provided, as well as, guidance on how to calculate a return on investment (Friendly Reminder: 51% ownership is just one of many requirements.  To gain the full benefit of this service all owners should participate, and MWBE must have access to:

 

  • company’s ownership history including past, present, and future (when applicable)
  • list of shareholders, corporation’s directors or LLC’s list of members/managers
  • details regarding each owner’s acquisition of stock, or membership interest, including the amount, type and source of consideration used
  • financing and debt instruments executed within the past three years (or used at the time of company’s inception)

 

To schedule, a Complete Eligibility Analysis click here.

 

The Mini Eligibility Analysis (30 mins) is helpful for anyone interested in better understand the eligibility requirements, the application process and the different types for certifications available for minority-owned businesses or women-owned businesses or service disabled-owned veterans (i.e., MBE, WBE, DBE, WOSB, 8(a) or SDVOB).  NOTE: the Mini Eligibility Analysis is not available for DBE or 8(a) applicants, previously declined firms or firms with ineligible owners (i.e., an ineligible owner means an individual who is not a woman or not a member of a Presumed Group (see MBE page for definition).

 

To schedule, a Mini Eligibility Analysis click here.

The Complete Eligibility Analysis (90 mins) is a thorough, in-depth review of a firm’s eligibility before applying.  During the service areas of the firm’s ineligibility for MBE, WBE, DBE or 8(a) certification are identified, and potential solutions are discussed; a reliable timeline to acquire certification is also provided, as well as, guidance on how to calculate a return on investment (Friendly Reminder: 51% ownership is just one of many requirements).

 

To schedule, a Complete Eligibility Analysis click here.

 

The Mini Eligibility Analysis (30 mins) is helpful for anyone interested in better understand the eligibility requirements, the application process and the different types for certifications available for minority-owned businesses or women-owned businesses or service disabled-owned veterans (i.e., MBE, WBE, DBE, WOSB, 8(a) or SDVOB).  NOTE: the Mini Eligibility Analysis is not available for DBE or 8(a) applicants, previously declined firms or firms with ineligible owners (i.e., an owner who is not a woman or not a member of a Presumed Group (see MBE page for definition).

 

To schedule, a Mini Eligibility Analysis click here.

The Complete Eligibility Analysis (90 mins) is a thorough, in-depth review of a firm’s eligibility before applying.  During the service areas of the firm’s ineligibility for MBE, WBE, DBE or 8(a) certification are identified, and potential solutions are discussed; a reliable timeline to acquire certification is also provided, as well as, guidance on how to calculate a return on investment (Friendly Reminder: 51% ownership is just one of many requirements).

 

To schedule, a Complete Eligibility Analysis click here.

 

The Mini Eligibility Analysis (30 mins) is helpful for anyone interested in better understand the eligibility requirements, the application process and the different types for certifications available for minority-owned businesses or women-owned businesses or service disabled-owned veterans (i.e., MBE, WBE, DBE, WOSB, 8(a) or SDVOB).  NOTE: the Mini Eligibility Analysis is not available for DBE or 8(a) applicants, previously declined firms or firms with ineligible owners (i.e., an owner who is not a woman or not a member of a Presumed Group (see MBE page for definition).

 

To schedule, a Mini Eligibility Analysis click here.

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