How Do I Get Certified?
Due to the events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Unified Certification Program (MNUCP) will suspend in-person on-site visits to review DBE applicant businesses seeking certification.
Instead, the MnUCP will use remote technology options for completing the on-site visits and in-person interviews. During the certification process, our specialists will work with the applicant to identify technology tools compatible with both the applicant and certifying agency to complete a virtual review of the business operations.
This is a new approach to the certification process so we appreciate your patience and cooperation while we implement this practice.
The DBE program is for business owners that are socially and economically disadvantaged. Women and African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged. Other individuals can also qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged on a case-by-case basis.
To be regarded as economically disadvantaged, an individual must have a personal net worth that does not exceed $2.047 million. To be seen as a small business, a firm must meet Small Business Administration size criteria AND have average annual gross receipts not to exceed $30.72 million when averaged over a three year period.
The owner must have technical competence and experience directly related to the type of work in which certification is being sought and must be a United States citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States.
Size limits for the Airport Concessions DBE program are higher.
These are the basic steps to become a DBE.
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Complete and Submit DBE Application
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A Specialist from a certifying agency will review application to determine eligibility.
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A Specialist will perform an On-site Visit
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The MnUCP will vote on the eligibility
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You will be notified about determination
Apply online with the ACDBE/DBE certification application.
NOTE: It is recommended to use Google Chrome browser
- You may download a PDF Version of the application
- Personal Net Worth Statement Form (PNW)
- If you are an out-of-state DBE certified firm looking to obtain INTERSTATE CERTIFICATION in Minnesota, please complete this request for Interstate Certification
- Spousal Renunciation of Rights Affidavit per 49 C.F.R. 26.96(i) - When spouse has ownership
- Spousal Renunciation of Rights Affidavit per 49 CFR 26.96(i) - When spouse has no ownership
For more information feel free to contact us or visit our About the DBE Program page.
There are three certifications that may benefit small businesses in Minnesota. The links are below:
- Targeted Group/Economically Disadvantaged/Veteran/Veteran (TG/ED/VO) Small Business Program: http://www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/mn02001.htm
- The Central Certification (CERT) Program: https://cert.smwbe.com/FrontEnd/StartCertification.asp?TN=cert&XID=6057
- North Central Minority Supplier Development Council: https://www.northcentralmsdc.org/minority-business-enterprises/certification-process/