Business Certifications Overview

The DBE program is a federal certification for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Small businesses that are independently owned and controlled in both substance and form by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged persons may be eligible for certification.

MWBE certification is a state certification for minority and women-owned businesses. Businesses that are at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority or women-owners may be eligible for certification.

Section 3 is a provision of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. The purpose of Section 3 is to ensure that preference for employment, training and contracting opportunities generated from the expenditure of certain HUD funds is directed to local low and very low-income persons, particularly those who receive federal housing assistance, and businesses that are owned by or substantially employ such persons.