Certification is an incentive program to ensure small, women and minority-owned business enterprises have an equal opportunity to participate in business opportunities. The certification process makes certain that the incentive programs are limited to businesses legitimately owned and controlled by local small, women, minorities and disadvantaged businesses. To be certified, a business must meet established standards and be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a qualifying person or persons.
Note: Most programs provide certification reciprocity for eligible business enterprises.
Types of certification:
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is a race and gender neutral program. All small business owners.*
- Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) is designed for Caucasian women only.
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) includes all minorities regardless of gender.
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a race and gender neutral program. All small business owners.
*Arizona definition of a small business including its affiliates, is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field, employs fewer than 100 full-time employees, or has grossed less than $4 million in its last fiscal year. (09)