For years, we have had one premier certification that is nationally recognized: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). We now have two new additional classifications that will allow us to serve more diverse businesses throughout the state of Florida. Our new classifications have created additional ways for diverse businesses to be part of our database and begin their path to becoming a nationally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

A Minority Business is a for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the United States or its trust territories, which is owned, controlled and managed by minority group members. “Minority group members” are African-American, Latino-American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American or Asian-Indian American by birth and bloodline. “Ownership” by minority individuals means the business is at least 51% owned by such individuals or, in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals. Further, those minority group members control the governance of the business and manage its daily business operations.

If you are a minority-owned business, but only interested in opportunities within Florida, MB classification may be of interest to you.

There are two types of MB classification: Registered MB and Listed MB.

Registered MB classification:

• Recognized statewide in Florida
• Ideal for companies that only plan to do business throughout Florida
• Access to FSMSDC programs, services and events
• Increases the odds of being included and sought out for bid opportunities with corporate, government and institutional buyers in Florida
• Shorter processing time, lower fees, and requires limited documentation
• Must be at least 51% ethnic minority-owned
• Owner(s) do not have to be a US citizen – green card holders/resident aliens also qualify · Upload of signed affidavit is required (Download Affidavit, sign & notarize before beginning application)
• Upload of the following is also required: Valid driver’s license or state ID, Scan or photo of passport as well as the most recent completed business tax document · APPLY FOR REGISTERED MB CLASSIFICATION TODAY

Listed MB classification:

• Recognized statewide in Florida
• Ideal for companies that only plan to do business throughout Florida
• Access to FSMSDC programs, services and events
• Increases the odds of being included and sought out for bid opportunities with corporate, government and institutional buyers in Florida
• Shorter processing time, lower fees, and requires limited documentation
• Must be at least 51% ethnic minority-owned – self-validation
• Owner(s) do not have to be a US citizen – green card holders/resident aliens also qualify
• Upload of the following is required: Valid driver’s license or state ID, most recent completed business tax document
• APPLY FOR LISTED MB CLASSIFICATION

The Registered MB and Listed MB classifications are ideal for diverse businesses that want to be informed of upcoming bid opportunities, have access to FSMSDC networking and development events, and primarily focus on doing business throughout the state of Florida.

These classifications have a shorter processing time, lower fees and require limited documentation.

Benefits of MB classification include:

• Information about upcoming bid opportunities in Florida
• Access to FSMSDC networking and development events
• Access to other minority businesses in Florida
• Limited access to corporate and small business advocates and purchasing agents
• Placement in the FSMSDC Florida database
• Access to capital resources partners
• Financial assistance and support