For years, we have had one premier certification that is nationally recognized: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). We now have an additional program, classification that will allow us to serve more diverse businesses throughout the state of Florida. Our new classification has 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 that is NOT ready for certification, but is still  interested in opportunities within Florida or would like to participate in FSMSDC’s programs and events, MB classification may be of interest to you.

The classification is 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.

Compared to MBE certification, these classifications also have a shorter processing time, lower fees and require limited documentation.

Benefits of MB classification include:

• Assistance with MBE Certification preparation
• Receive a roadmap to aid in applying for MBE Certification
• Information about upcoming bid opportunities in Florida
• Access to other minority businesses in Florida
• Limited access to corporate and small business advocates and purchasing agents
• Financial assistance and support
• Ideal for companies that only plan to do business throughout Florida
• Access to FSMSDC programs, services and events
• 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
  • Most recent completed business tax document

APPLY FOR  MB CLASSIFICATION

MB classification is self-validated by the owner(s) of the business, which still must have 51% ethnic minority-ownership.

Minority Business (MB) classification is a new way for diverse businesses to be in our database and begin their path to becoming a nationally certified MBE. An owner can self-elect to participate in MB Classification by simply signing an affidavit confirming minority status and attaching required documents. Or you have taken the Pre-Qualifier Quiz and based on your responses are currently deemed INELIGIBLE for MBE Certification. FSMSDC DOES NOT vet the process to confirm minority status in accordance with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) guidelines.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification is the premier nationally recognized certification for minority-owned business. The MBE certification is separate and requires a more stringent process. The minority ownership status of a business is validated by the FSMSDC and its Certification Committee. The Committee determines, pursuant to the policies of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), whether the approved business is owned, operated and controlled by a person (or persons) who is determined to be a minority group member. FSMSDC certification is in accordance with NMSDC guidelines. NMSDC is one of the country’s leading business membership organizations. It provides a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. The NMSDC was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

Most supplier diversity programs will only contract with certified MBEs. The lack of MBE certification can mean the difference between having access to contracting opportunities and missing out. Becoming a certified MBE increases the odds of being included in and sought out for bid opportunities with corporations. This national certification is the best option for diverse companies looking to do business with corporations and government agencies around the country.

Yes. The pre-classification webinar is recorded and can be viewed at your convenience. The webinar is designed to provide potential MBs and MBEs with critical information needed for the process. Topics of discussion include benefits, the application process, required documents, fees, and the programs and services offered by FSMSDC.

No, the MBE certification is separate and requires a more stringent process. The minority ownership status of a business is validated by the FSMSDC and its Certification Committee. The Committee determines, pursuant to the policies of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), whether the approved business is owned, operated and controlled by a person (or persons) who is determined to be a minority group member. FSMSDC certification is in accordance with NMSDC guidelines. If seeking MBE Certification, visit fsmsdc.org/mbe-certifications.

Corporations may benefit from:

• Competitive pricing
• Opportunities to identify potential strategic partners
• Expanding customer base/market share
• Access to emerging markets in urban and local communities
• Compliance with government requirements
• Contributing to the economic viability of MBs and the communities in which they are located

Assurance of FSMSDC classification quality and requirements

For purposes of Florida State Minority Development Council’s (FSMSDC) program, a minority group member is an individual who owns at least 1/4 or 25% of a business (documentation to support the claim of 25% is required from the applicant) and whose bloodline reflects an indigenous heritage from one of the following:

• African American
• Hispanic American
• Native American
• Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander American

Groups not eligible for MBE certification are those whose origins or heritage are of or from:

• Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal)
• Asia Minor Region (peninsula between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean)
• Persian Gulf (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, etc.)
• Europe
• Northern Africa (Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, etc.)

Additionally, being born in one of the qualifying countries DOES NOT, by itself, qualify an individual as an ethnic minority for the MBE certification.

No, you do not have to be a US Citizen to qualify for MB classification. Additionally, green card holders/resident aliens may also qualify.

However, if you do decide to eventually apply for MBE certification, you must be a US citizen.

All companies applying for new or renewed classification pay a NON-REFUNDABLE processing fee based on gross annual sales.

A company must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of 51% of the company must be owned by an ethnic minority or group of minorities.
• The owner(s) must self-validate minority ownership.
• The company headquarters must be located in the state of Florida.
• The owner(s) must be US citizens or green card holders/resident aliens.

1. Applicants must view the Pre-Classification Webinar and complete the MB Classification Program application. CLICK HERE and select application.
2. All required documents must be uploaded and payment submitted at the end of the application process.
3. FSMSDC’s classification staff will review the file to ensure all required documents are received and within the standards of the FSMSDC.
4. Newly approved MBs will have access to an orientation video that will help them learn more about FSMSDC and its benefits, programs and services.
5. Approved applicants will receive a welcome letter.

The classification is valid for one year and must be renewed each year.

The classification process takes approximately 20 days to complete. Note: All applications must be complete, with documentation attached, when received by the FSMSDC for processing.

Yes, all items applicable to your company must be completed on the application. Additionally, all required documents must be uploaded prior to submission of the application. In order for your application to be reviewed by a Classification Specialist, you MUST include all of the required documentation. If you fail to include the required documentation, your application cannot be processed.

NOTE: All incomplete applications submitted will be automatically deleted from the system after 10 days if documentation is not received.

The MB Classification application fee is NOT Refundable.

A North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is a six-digit industry classification code developed jointly by the US, Canadian and Mexican governments. Businesses need these codes, which describe their revenue-producing lines of business, to:

• Register a new business with the US government
• Subcontract with defense contractors or government agencies

A company selects its own NAICS code. The primary NAICS code reflects its primary revenue-producing line of business. Secondary NAICS codes reflect other revenue-producing lines of business.

The Small Business Administration offers the 8(a) Certification Program to provide opportunities for qualifying small businesses seeking access to the government contracts marketplace. The 8(a) program positions your company for contracting opportunities with government agencies and major prime contractors in a wide variety of industries.

The D&B D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identification sequence that corresponds to a single business entity. It also links corporate family structures together. D&B numbers are recognized, recommended and/or required by many industry and trade associations, government agencies and other large organization

The business tax information is critical in validating a company’s business legitimacy and is kept confidential.

National Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification is still the best option for diverse companies looking to do business with corporations and government agencies around the country. MBE certification is the only certification that allows for national business opportunities, advanced education and development programs, discounts to national events and networking opportunities with other diverse suppliers through the national MBE 2 MBE Database.

Your tax records may contain your company’s NAICS code. If your company has a D&B D-U-N-S number, then your D&B Marketing Record will contain your primary NAICS code.

To determine your company’s NAICS code, visit www.census.gov/naics and enter a keyword into the 2017 NAICS Search box. Or, you can drill down through the 2017 NAICS structure in this table.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is one of the country’s leading business membership organizations. It provides a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. The NMSDC was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

An MBE is a Minority Business Enterprise – a minority-owned, for-profit company that has been nationally certified in accordance with the guidelines of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

MBEs are companies owned by United States citizens who 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. The management and daily operations must be controlled by those minority group members.

After their initial certification, MBEs must renew their certification annually. Learn more about MBE certification.