Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business

The Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business (OMWESB) administers the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification programs. These programs are designed to promote economic opportunities for small businesses.

As the sole certification authority in Oregon, OMWESB provides a “one-stop” certification process for Oregon disadvantaged, minority- and woman-owned and emerging small businesses. Certification opens the door to targeted government contracting opportunities.

Certifications

The office offers four types of certifications to qualified Oregon businesses.

Certification program	Certification is for	If the business is
Emerging Small Business (ESB) Tier 1	contracting opportunities with city, county, state and special jurisdictions	• 19 or fewer employees • 3-year gross annual receipts construction firms ≤$1,699,953 non-construction firms ≤$679,981
Tier 2	contracting opportunities with city, county, state and special jurisdictions	• 29 or fewer employees • 3-year gross annual receipts construction firms ≤$3,399,907 non-construction firms ≤$1,133,302
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)	contracting opportunities with city, county, state and special jurisdictions	• owned and controlled by a member of a recognized minority group** • minority has 51% + ownership
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)	contracting opportunities with city, county, state and special jurisdictions	• owned and controlled by woman • woman has 51% + ownership
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)	contracting opportunities with recipients of federally-funded transportation-related projects	• owned and controlled by woman OR member of recognized minority group**

**Recognized minority groups: Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian Pacific American, Subcontinent Asian American

Toolbox

Certifications
Emerging Small Business
Minority Business Enterprise
Women Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Resources
Bid Opportunities & Solicitations
Partner Resources & Programs
Directory of certified firms
Oregon Opportunity Register and Clearinghouse
Contact Certification Staff
Staff List
Email Us
Rules
State and local certifications:
Oregon Administrative Rules
123-200
Federal certifications:
Federal Rule 49 CFR 26

Oregon Success Stories

Pro Landscape, Inc., a Minority-owned Success

Pro Landscape, Inc., and its subsidiary, PLI Systems, Inc., of Hillsboro, are owned and operated by Manuel Castaneda. Manuel has grown his companies to about $7 million and has 40 employees.