Skip to main content
Language

Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification Program

About Apply After You Apply Operating & Renewing

Apply

Before you submit your application

  • 1
    Gather the documents you will need to complete the process. Select "more info" for a list of the required documents, or download the checklist as a PDF. More info
       
      • Resumes for everyone who has ownership interest in the business.
      • Bank letters including account numbers, a list of those authorized to sign on the account, and any limitations to a signer's authority.
      • The business' federal, state, and city signed tax returns for the most recent tax year, including all schedules.
      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident alien status for each owner.
      • Licenses and permits which the business holds.
      • Lease agreements or proof of ownership for all business locations, which must be valid for at least six months after the date of application.
      • Business contracts and invoices completed and signed, for services performed by the business, in New York City, within the past year, along with proof of payment.
      • Proof of minority group status of each owner claiming minority status.
      • Business start details demonstrating how the business was initially capitalized.
      • Businesses incorporated outside New York State must provide a Certificate of Authority from the NYS Secretary of State. Learn more here.
      The following documents may also be required, based on the structure of your business:
      • Sole Proprietors must provide a "Business Certificate" filed with the County Clerk if operating under a DBA name.
      • Partnerships must provide a partnership agreement, and a business certificate as filed with county clerk.
      • Limited Partnerships (LPs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) must provide a partnership agreement and a state filing receipt, including any amended receipts.
      • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must provide an LLC Organizational Agreement and LLC Articles of Organization, a state filing receipt, including any amended receipts, and any membership certificates, front and back, as well as the next un-issued certificate.
      • Corporations must provide Articles of Incorporation, corporate bylaws, a state filing receipt, including any amended receipts, and stock certificates, front and back, as well as the next un-issued certificate.
      • Businesses operating under a trade name or doing-business-as name (DBA) must provide a Certificate of Assumed Name, as filed with the County Clerk. Learn more here.
  • 2
    Your business may qualify for the quicker Fast Track application if it has specific certifications from one of New York City's Fast Track partners. Qualifying certifications include Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), Locally based Business Enterprise (LBE), and NYS Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). The City's Fast Track partners include:
    • New York City School Construction Authority
    • Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
    • Women President's Educational Organization
    • New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.
    • New York State Department of Economic Development
    *Please note, your business must have at least six (6) months remaining on the partner organization's certification.
  • 3
    If eligible, you may simultaneously submit apply for certification with our partners by submitting an addendum with your application. Addendums are provided below in PDF format.
  • 4
    Your businesses must have a Federal Tax ID. This could be an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) for sole proprietors. Learn more about employer identification numbers here.
  • 5
    Businesses must be a registered vendor with the City of New York. To register, you must create an account on the Payee Information Portal. A a PIP account provides you with a NYC Vendor Number.
  • 6

    Businesses are required to register with PASSPort. To register, you must create an account on the PASSPort portal. A PASSPort account puts your business on the Citywide Bidder List.

  • 7
    Be aware that the person who prepares and submits your application must be authorized as a representative of your business, and will be the main point of contact throughout the process.
  • 8
    Free certification workshops are available if you need any help with this process. Check the Business Courses page for details.

    • Ready to Apply?

    Apply Online

    Steps to apply online:

  • 1
    Gather electronic copies of your supporting documents.
  • 2
    To submit a standard or Fast Track application, click on the Apply Online button.
    • SBS Connect The online application will open in a new window.
    Apply Onlineopen_in_new
  • 3
    If you do not have electronic copies of your supporting documents, you may mail them to SBS within 30 days of submitting an online application.
    • Next