Apply for New Minority and Woman Business Certification

The Disadvantaged Minority/Disadvantaged Women Business Enterprise (DM/DWBE) programs provide an opportunity for disadvantaged minority/disadvantaged women to participate in the County's procurement program which includes construction, contractual services, professional consulting services, and commodities.

There are no fees associated with apply for DM/DWBE Certification.

Businesses must meet the following eligibility qualifications:

• Principally domiciled in the State of Florida
• Minority  or woman must control the management and daily operations and own at least 51% of the firm
• Minority or woman must also hold the professional license for the business, if this is appropriate
• Employs 50 or fewer people
• Net worth of the business cannot exceed $4,000,000 or less for firms that are not in the construction industry or $5,000,000 or less for firms that are in the construction industry

Eligible minority groups:

• African-American
• Hispanic
• Asian American
• Native American
• Women are considered a minority group for the purposes of this program

• In construction, project by project MBE goals are established for projects valued over $200,000
• An MBE Bonus Point system is used for professional consultant selection
• Periodic seminars and workshops are conducted for the firm’s benefit (such as the Small Contractor Development Program)

• We require certified DM/DWBEs to complete and submit the Recertification/Reregistration renewal application  bi-annually for a review of their program eligibility status
• As a prerequisite to recertification, you must provide evidence completing a total of at least eight (8) hours of formal business training during the prior two-year period
  • We will accept attendance at institutions within the State of Florida that are accredited to offer business-related courses
  • You are exempt from the  eight-hour formal business requirement if your businesses has been in business for more than 10 continuous years
  • The qualifying minority or woman owner must take the training
• If you submit a timely application for recertification, you will remain certified until the Economic Development Department has made a new determination of eligibility

Reciprocity shall be granted to MBE firms that are principally domiciled in the State of Florida and have been certified by a governmental local jurisdiction situated in the State. Reciprocity shall be for one six-month (6-month) period. Certification beyond may be granted after review of the firms certification application submitted to Hillsborough County.

1. Go to HCFLGov.net/MWSBE
2. Click the Apply for DM/DWBE Certification link
3. Click create account
4. Fill out and submit the application

We will review the application and notify you of the results.

 

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Registration

Minority Certification and Small Business Registration are services provided at no cost to business owners. One-on-one and Spanish-language assistance with applications and documentation is available by calling Rita Sauri at (813) 307-8309 to schedule an appointment.

Certificación y Registro minoría pequeña empresa son los servicios proporcionados sin costo alguno para los propietarios de negocios. Uno-a-uno y asistencia en idioma español con las aplicaciones y la documentación está disponible llamando Rita Sauri al (813) 307-8309 para programar una cita.

Apply