1. Home
  2. MBE Certification

 

 

 

 

 

 

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

The National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) certification comes with numerous benefits and services. Our mission involves connecting minority business enterprises (MBEs) with corporations, the public sector, and other Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to help them benefit from each other—fueling entrepreneurship and growing wealth in systemically excluded communities.

Certified minority businesses gain opportunities to network with our corporate members, pitch their business, and access educational programs and financial solutions.

While certification does not guarantee a major contract, it does create opportunities to leverage the NMSDC network and events to reach potential customers who understand the business imperative of building an inclusive supplier base.https://nmsdc.org/

  • MBE Database – Certified businesses build searchable profiles in our database of MBEs, which corporations and other MBEs use to find potential suppliers. Showcase your company to potential customers through video, capability statements, and AI-integrated search.
  • Access – MBEs gain exposure to hundreds of member corporations and 17,000+ other MBEs, creating opportunities to engage in business, form partnerships, establish strategic alliances, and build joint ventures for success.
  • Conferences & Exchanges — NMSDC and its regional affiliates hold the largest U.S. conferences focused on minority business development. MBEs can present themselves to hundreds of prospective buyers, government agencies, and procurement professionals in a single setting.
  • Capacity Building — NMSDC has created capital access opportunities for MBEs throughout their business life cycle through our partnership with the Business Consortium Fund, the Growth Initiative Certification, and Capital Managers Program.
  • Contract Opportunities – NMSDC facilitates business connections between buying agencies and MBEs, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and business growth.
  • Customized Education and Development – NMSDC offers a wide range of programs, targeted training, and technical assistance to help build stronger, more sustainable businesses, while also developing leadership tools for MBE CEOs.
  • Networking Opportunities – NMSDC helps expand your network and strengthen your business relationships through intentional, high-impact connections.

New MBE Certifications can get started using the pre-qualification link below.

NEW Applicants, Click Here

MBE Recertification must be submitted throught The NMSDC Hub.  You can submit your application up to 90 days prior to your expiration date.

Renewals, Click Here

THE NEW CERTIFICATION SYSTEM

As of September 15. 2025, all MBE certifications will be handled by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and processed via The NMSDC Hub. The new system comes with several improvements including:

  • Easier navigation and progress tracking.
  • Improved and consistent processing times.
  • Enhanced support from dedicated certification specialists at the national office.
  • Added ability to update your profile any time using self-service features.

 

MBE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To get your business certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) it must be at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more qualified minority group members. For additional details regarding what is required during the certification process, go to the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) website: www.nmsdc.org. 

START INITIAL MBE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

  • After completing a brief pre-qualification survey, qualifying applicants will be emailed login credentials for The NMSDC Hub, where they can complete their application and track its progress.
  • NMSDC’s goal is to complete the review of an application in less than 45 days. This relies on applications having complete information and timely responding to questions or requests that the certification specialist may have during the review.
  • Certification fees vary by region and depend on the size of the business seeking certification.

Certification Fees for both New MBE Certifications and Re-Certifications:       

MBE’s Classifications are defined by their annual sales:

  • Class 1: Sales under $1M; $300
  • Class 2: Sales $1M – $10M; $400
  • Class 3: Sales $10M – $50M; $650
  • Class 4: Sales over $50M; $800
GET STARTED

MBE RECERTIFICATION

A certified MBE must submit a recertification application through The NMSDC Hub. To ensure that there is no lapse in certification, you can submit your application up to 90 days prior to your expiration date.

Recertification applications submitted after expiration may incur a late fee. To find your company’s certification expiration date, please refer to your MBE profile in The NMSDC Hub or your certificate.

RECERTIFY, CLICK HERE

    OTHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

    The NMSDC offers other certification programs and support. Visit the Certification section of the www.nmsdc.org to learn about these opportunities. They include some great programs like:

    • Growth Initiative Certifications designed for minority businesses that have taken on capital to grow resulting in a minority ownership percentage less than 51%
    • Investment Fund Certifications for funds helping minority businesses to grow
    • Certification Fee Reimbursement opportunities

     

    CERTIFICATION CONTACT INFORMATION

    For questions regarding the Certification or how to navigate the system, please contact the national office directly.

    Phone:
    212-944-2430, Option 1
    855-498-5524

    Email:
    certification@nmsdc.org 

    For technical support and any login issues, please email thehubsupport@nmsdc.org.

    MBE PRE/POST CERTIFICATION

    It is strongly recommended to have an MBE Pre-Certification Meeting; calls are scheduled on  Wednesdays anytime from 10:00am to 12:00pm CST.

    Topics covered during this meeting will be criteria for certification, review of the application process along with the requirements, procedures, timeframe, and answer the most common application questions. 

    Those who have successfully completed their application learned by participating in the Pre-Certification Workshop.

    If you have any questions on MBE Certification or to schedule your appointment email: alana@smsdc.org