How do I get certified as a minority-owned business in Illinois?

How do I get certified as a minority-owned business in Illinois?

The Department of Procurement Services Certification and Compliance division certifies minority-and women-owned businesses that:

1. have at least 51 percent ownership by a minority or woman.
2. have at least 51 percent of their business controlled by a one or more minority groups or women.

What does MBE certified mean?

Minority-owned businesses and the MBE certificate. MBE signifies that an individual who is a minority is the primary owner of the business. To apply for and receive a minority-owned business certificate, the business must be legally defined as minority-owned.

What are the benefits of MBE certification?

The benefits of MBE Certification really boil down to one word: access. Certification gives MBEs exclusive access to top corporate purchasing agents, premium networking events, searchable supplier databases, affordable consulting services, technology programs, and vital introductions to nationally known corporations.

Can a green card holder apply for MBE certification?

A2: Does an applicant have to be U.S. Citizenship to qualify for MBE Certification? Yes. An applicant must be an U.S. citizen either by birth or naturalization and must have the appropriate documentation. A permanent resident or a “Green Card” holder does not qualify.

What defines a minority-owned business?

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE): An organization that is: at least 51 percent unconditionally owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged and whose management and daily business operation is controlled by one or more such individuals.

What is DBE certification?

DBE is a company level diversity certification. DBE certifications are usually issued at the state level through the state’s Department of Transportation and often used as a designation for companies that wish to bid on Department of Transportation contracts.

How do you address someone who has an MBE?

The letters MBE or OBE etc are not a title, but are referred to as ‘post-nominals’. ‘Sir’ and ‘Dame’ are titles.

What is MBE vs WBE?

The state’s certification program defines an MBE as “a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more minority persons” and defines a WBE as “a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman.” For both, the owner(s) controlling the business must also 1) “have the requisite expertise,” …

What are the benefits of a minority owned business?

Numerous benefits come with being certified as a minority-owned business, from access to special business training to a preference for contracts with government entities.

• Access to Government Grants and Contracts. …
• Increased Business Partnership Opportunities. …
• Training Workshops, Management, and Technical Guidance.