Minority Businesses
As a certified minority business enterprise, you’ll gain access to valuable contracting opportunities, learning and development from experts and thought leaders, and networking events to strengthen your relationships with fellow professionals and corporations and public agencies who are committed to supplier diversity.
What is a certified minority business enterprise (MBE)?
A certified minority business enterprise (MBE) is a for-profit business that is owned and controlled by a person of at least 25% ethnic minority heritage. To be certified as an MBE through the Northwest Mountain MSDC, the minority owner must be a United States citizen and own 51% or more of their business.
Meet our Certified MBEs
2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Unique, Thoughtful Gifts That Support Minority-Owned Businesses
The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year—and they can also be the most frantic and stressful time of the year. With an estimated $16.6 billion in retail sales during the holiday season in the United States in 2023 (US Census Bureau, 2024), the numbers...
Lanier’s Fine Candies: Handcrafted, All-Natural Brittle Made with Passion and Tradition
Watching Herman Lanier make his candy is like witnessing passion materialize into something truly delicious. His all-natural, preservative-free, small-batch brittle has been a cherished delight for over 13 years now, rooted in a recipe passed down from his Aunt...
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Highlighting Hispanic and Latinx-Owned MBEs For Hispanic Heritage Month and Beyond
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, honors the profound impact and significance of Hispanic and Latinx histories, cultures, and contributions (US Census Bureau, 2022). This month-long celebration acknowledges the rich...
How We Help Minority-Owned Small Businesses
Certification
Our MBE certification is recognized nationally by corporate and public agency members who are committed to economic inclusion and supplier diversity. This validation confirms a company’s minority-owned, managed, and controlled status.
Development Programs
Certified MBEs benefit from year-round development opportunities, including one-on-one conversations, workshops, panel discussions, and conferences. The council guides MBEs in engaging with corporate and public agency members.
Networking
MBE profiles are included in the NMSDC Central Vendor Management database upon certification. MBEs can connect with corporate/public agency members through premier events, council activities, and meetings.
Advocacy
Certification Benefits
Business Opportunities
Certified MBEs have access to contracts and purchasing decisions that include diverse supplier spend goals, which means that your firm will appear more competitive when you submit a proposal. Our nationally recognized certification unlocks business opportunities by giving your potential clients the confidence that they are meeting their supplier diversity goals by hiring a certified minority business enterprise (MBE).
Events & Networking
The council produces a range of events designed to bring minority business enterprises (MBEs) together with corporate and public agency members for networking and connection. In addition to the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s annual events, certified MBEs have access to dozens more events nationwide thanks to our network of affiliate councils.
Business Development & Education
We regularly host online and in-person education and development events to facilitate business growth and successful contracting between MBEs and corporations and public agency members. Whether you’re just starting out in business or have already been successful, our team is ready to help your business go to the next level.
Subscription Services: Local Certification, National Reach
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) offers subscription services to certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) within its network of 23 regional councils.
What’s included in subscriptions:
- Access to top corporate purchasing agents
- Premium business connection outings and networking events
- Regional or industry-specific newsletters
- Introductions to national corporate members
- Specialized procurement conferences and trade fairs
- Supplier diversity summits and roundtable discussions
- Professional development fellowships
- Mentor-Protégé pairings and educational programs
- Technical and financial assistance
Certification Process
Becoming a certified minority business enterprise (MBE) requires a few steps that take some time, but are worth the effort as you unlock new opportunities. Our team will help you through every step of the way.
- Review Criteria: Ensure your business qualifies for certification by meeting criteria such as being at least 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of U.S. citizenship for owners and business location details.
- Complete Application: Fill out the online application, preview questions, and upload necessary documents. Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
- Certification Review: The NMSDC team audits your application, contacts customer references, and may conduct interviews or site visits.
- Decision: You’ll be informed of the certification decision once the evaluation is complete
Is MBE Certification right for me?
The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is a recognition given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members. This certification helps minority-owned businesses gain access to corporate supply chains and new business opportunities.
The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council serves Idaho, Washington, Utah, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming. Below are the types of businesses who benefit from certification with the Northwest Mountain MSDC.
Small- & Medium-Sized Enterprises
Businesses across various industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, transportation, marketing, and consulting, seek MBE certification.
Startups
New businesses, especially those in technology and innovative sectors, often pursue certification to gain early access to corporate supply chains.
Established Companies
Larger, well-established companies also seek certification to diversify their client base and enhance their market presence.
“I have been certified for 15, 16 years. It’s supported me in a way of building a community that I would have otherwise not had. It has recognized me as a business within a business community that didn’t recognize me in the beginning […] Things come to fruition because of the community through the Northwest MSDC.”
“The NWMMSDC has not only provided us the MBE certification which helps us become a preferred vendor for many corporations but has connected us to many potential opportunities like Port of Seattle Authority, T-Mobile Park and so on.”
“Being able to promote [my certification] speaks volumes to other people of how serious we are about diversity.”
Why Certify?
Access to Corporate Contracts
Certified MBEs are listed in the NMSDC database, which is accessed by over 1,400 corporate members looking to diversify their suppliers.
Networking Opportunities
Certification provides opportunities to connect with other minority-owned businesses and large corporations through events and conferences.
Increased Visibility
Being certified can enhance a business’s credibility and visibility in the marketplace, making it easier to attract new clients and partners.
Support and Resources
Certified MBEs often gain access to training, mentorship, and other resources that can help them grow and succeed.