Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise Certifications

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications are for firms seeking contracting opportunities with state, county, city and special jurisdictions. Some of the jurisdictions include the city of Portland, Multnomah County, METRO and the Portland Development Commission (PDC). The eligibility criteria is based on Oregon Administrative Rule 445-050-0030.

Ownership and Control

Majority ownership is just one eligibility requirement for these certifications.

• A minority or woman must own at least 51 percent of the business.Recognized minority groups for MBE certification include: Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian Pacific American, Subcontinent Asian American or a Woman
• The minority or woman owner must have independent, managerial and operational control of the business which includes experience and training in the primary area of work for the business (e.g., excavating, paving).
• If the state of Oregon requires individual licensing in the business' primary area of work, the minority or woman owner must hold or have previously held the license (e.g., electrician, plumber, landscaper, truck driver, engineer, architect).

Contribution of Capital by Owners

The minority or woman owner(s) must have made a real and substantial contribution of capital or expertise to the business.

Independence and Size

The minority- or woman-owned business must not be dependent on a non-disadvantaged firm(s) or individual(s). Businesses must not exceed the size standards as defined by the Small Business Administration, North American Industry Classification System Codes (NAICS) size standards.

Applications

Applications for Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise use the same application form. Applications are available in two formats.

1. Choose a Word format to fill-in, save and print when completed; OR
2. Choose a PDF format to fill-in and print. You must complete and print the application in one session—there is no save option.

Application—Word format
Application

Emerging Small Business Short form
The short form used only when applying for the Minority and/or Woman Business Enterprise certification. Oregon firms can save time and money if an Emerging Small Business Certification as well as a minority and/or woman business certification are sought. The business must be an Oregon firm (your principle place of business must be located in Oregon).

Emerging Small Business Short form—Word format
Emerging Small Business Short form

How to Apply

The application and required documents must be mailed to:
   Business Oregon
   Small Business Services, OMWESB
   775 Summer St NE, Suite 200
   Salem, OR 97301-1280

Top of page