Question 1

What is the purpose of the County’s MBE & SBE programs?

Accepted Answer

Hillsborough County’s Minority, Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Business Encouragement (SBE) programs aim to provide full opportunity for minority, women-owned and small businesses to participate in the County’s procurement programs, which include construction, contractual services, professional consulting services, and commodities.

Question 2

What is the cost to apply for MBE certification or SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge to apply for either program.

Question 3

What is the processing time of applications for MBE certification or SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

The processing time is generally 30 days from when the application and all documentation has been received.

Question 4

How long is the County's MBE certification or SBE registration valid?

Accepted Answer

Our MBE certification and SBE registration is valid for two years (24 months) from the date of approval.

Question 5

How and when does a business apply for renewal of their MBE certification or SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

The renewal of our MBE certification or SBE registration is a free and easy online process. Sixty (60) days prior to an MBE or SBE business’ expiration date the business will receive an email notification alerting them of the upcoming expiration date. An additional email notification will be sent thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date. It is the business’ responsibility to ensure that a current email address is on file with our office. Businesses interested in renewing their MBE certification or SBE registration must do so at least two weeks prior to the expiration date to allow sufficient processing time before the expiration date.

Question 6

Should I apply for MBE certification or SBE registration if my business provides products or services which might not be purchased by Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are encouraged to apply because MBE certification or SBE registration may provide access to opportunities with other government agencies and/or private companies. Additional benefits include being eligible to attend our trainings and your business listed in our MBE & SBE Online Directory.

Question 7

Must a business have an MBE certification or SBE registration to do business with Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

No. Any business may register as a vendor in the County’s Procurement Services Department’s online vendor portal to do business with Hillsborough County. MBE certification or SBE registration allows your business to participate in our MBE & SBE programs.

Question 8

If my business is registered as a Hillsborough County vendor, is it automatically certified as a minority, woman-owned business or registered as a small business?

Accepted Answer

No. Registration in Hillsborough County’s online vendor portal is the first step in seeking MBE certification or SBE registration. After which, you must submit the online application for MBE certification or SBE registration for review of eligibility and determination of approval.

Question 9

How do I register as a vendor with Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

You can register your business as a vendor with Hillsborough County in the County’s an online vendor portal. Once registered, your business will be able to: 1) receive email notifications of relevant bid opportunities, 2) download bid/solicitation documents, 3) view document takers list (list of vendors who have accessed specific solicitations, specifications and documents), 4) submit bids online, and 5) participate in online discussions.

Question 10

May I use the Hillsborough County logo on my website or publications to signify my Hillsborough County MBE certification or SBE registration?

Accepted Answer

No. The service-marked Hillsborough County logo cannot be used to promote any outside entity. You may use your County-issued certificate to show your DM/DWBE certification or SBE registration.

Question 11

Do you offer business training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer various trainings throughout the year to increase certified and registered business knowledge of County contracting and ways to leverage (or maximize) their MBE certification or SBE registration. Upcoming events and programs are available on the Vendor Compliance System website under the “View Outreach Opportunities” tab. Additional resources, including confidential no-cost consulting and professional training, are available through the Florida Small Business Development Center at Hillsborough County.

Question 12

What exactly does it mean to be "a Minority and Woman Certified" with Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

A Hillsborough County certified DM/DWBE is a business that has gone through a rigorous and stringent certification process to confirm that the business is owned, managed, and controlled by an eligible minority group member or woman. The certification process ensures that businesses claiming to be minority/women-owned and controlled meet the legal qualifications. Certified DM/DWBEs use their certification credentials to gain access to contract opportunities with the County. The Eligibility Requirements and Documentation section of this page provides details about eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.

Question 13

How can my business become a certified minority/women-owned business enterprise?

Accepted Answer

In order to become certified by Hillsborough County as a minority- or women-owned business enterprise, a business must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. These criteria are codified in Resolution No. R06-264, as amended by Resolution No. R11-020, Resolution No. R12-156, Resolution No. R15-105, Resolution 16-120, and Resolution No. R22-002. The Eligibility Requirements and Documentation section of this page provides details about eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.

Question 14

What minority groups are eligible for DM/DWBE certification?

Accepted Answer

Eligible minority group members are individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan native, Asian, or Pacific Islander. Women are considered as minority group members for the purpose of this program.

If the minority group members are second- or third-generation Americans, proof of lineage must be provided for at least one parent and, if applicable, a grandparent.

Black – A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa
Hispanic – A person of Spanish or Portuguese culture with origins in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, South America, Central America, or the Caribbean Islands, regardless of race
Asian – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands
American Indian/Alaskan Native – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America

Question 15

Why should I certify as a DM/DWBE?

Accepted Answer

Certification as a minority- or women-owned business enterprise will help increase your firm's visibility among Hillsborough County and other prospective clients, document your firm's status as an MBE/WBE, and enhance your competitive advantage.

Question 16

Will DM/DWBE certification guarantee me a contract?

Accepted Answer

DM/DWBE certification is a tool, not a guarantee. Certification enhances a certified business enterprise’s exposure to Hillsborough County, prime contractors, and the business community. To be successful, a company still needs to market itself, its people, and its services, just as any good business should. Like any tool, certification must be actively used to experience its full worth. Here are some additional tips:

Market your business to agencies that may need what you sell.
Research contracts that have already been awarded to learn which agencies purchase what you sell, who holds the current contract, and when that contract will expire.
Network with potential prime contractors at pre-bid or pre-proposal conferences.

Question 17

What is the difference between County procurement vendor registration and being a DM/DWBE certified business?

Accepted Answer

Registering your company as a County vendor allows you to do business with Hillsborough County. Having a certified business enterprise designation (minority-owned or woman-owned) indicates that your company has undergone a review process to show that it meets the minimum eligibility criteria.

Question 18

How do I apply for DM/DWBE certification?

Accepted Answer

You must submit the online application for minority certification for further review to determine eligibility.

Question 19

If I am certified by another agency as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, am I also certified by Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

No, provisional reciprocity shall be granted to minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses that are principally domiciled in the State of Florida and certified by other local city, county, or state jurisdictions. Provisional reciprocity shall be granted for one six-month period. All businesses granted reciprocal certification who would like to continue to participate in the County's DM/DWBE Program after the expiration of its reciprocal certification will be required to complete a Hillsborough County certification application.

Question 20

I am not a minority individual; does Hillsborough County have a race-neutral business encouragement program?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Encouragement Program provides full opportunity for small businesses to participate in the County’s procurement programs. The program includes targeted consideration on Hillsborough County projects, such as SBE Set-Aside contracts. The Eligibility Requirements and Documentation section of this page provides details about eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.

Question 21

What is an SBE Set-Aside?

Accepted Answer

Purchases of competitively procured commodities and services may be set aside exclusively for registered SBEs to compete. In order to assure necessary competition, at least three (3) registered SBEs must be available to provide the applicable commodity before the procurement may be set-aside for SBEs.

Question 22

What are the DM/DWBE certification eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

The business must be 51% owned and managed by a woman or minority who is a legal resident of Florida

Shall be domiciled in Florida and organized under the laws of Florida

Registered to do business in Florida as a for-profit organization

The business must be engaged in commercial transactions (currently doing business). If a new business, paid invoice is required

Net worth of the business cannot exceed $4,000,000 for firms that are not in the construction industry or $5,000,000 for firms that are in the construction industry

Have 50 or fewer permanent full-time employees averaged over the last two years

Have a professional license if required by the County, in the name of the woman or minority business owner or a minority affiliated with the business. If a professional license is not required, then a Business Tax Receipt is mandatory

Question 23

What are eligible DM/DWBE minority groups?

Accepted Answer

Eligible minority group members are individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan native, Asian, or Pacific Islander. Women are considered as minority group members for the purpose of this program.

If the minority group members are second- or third-generation Americans, proof of lineage must be provided for at least one parent and, if applicable, a grandparent.
Black – A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa
Hispanic – A person of Spanish or Portuguese culture with origins in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, South America, Central America, or the Caribbean Islands, regardless of race
Asian – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands
American Indian/Alaskan Native - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America

Question 24

What are the DM/DWBE application mandatory documents?

Accepted Answer

Application - Download, sign, notarize, and upload

Licenses to do business in Florida - i.e. Business Tax/Occupational, professional, trade/permit, specialty, DBPR, etc. If you want to perform construction-related work or operate a construction-related business, you must have a contractor’s license.
Proof of female or minority status for all owners/stockholders/members - For females and African Americans, a clear and legible copy of Florida Driver’s license is sufficient. Others must provide birth certificate(s) or other legal document (e.g., passport, certificate of naturalization, etc.) that identifies ethnicity and/or place of birth.
Proof of Florida residency for all owners - Provide Voter I.D. or Property Tax Exemption Certificate
Complete current resume showing education, training, and employment experience with dates for all owners
Screen shot of current procurement vendor registration with Hillsborough County
Most recent Annual Report filed with the State of Florida - Actual report is required, not a Certificate of Status
Copy of current balance sheet - Prepared by a CPA or accountant or business-owned financial software
Copy of profit and loss statement - Prepared by a CPA or accountant or business-owned financial software
Last three years of your business’s federal tax returns, including all schedules and attachments. If less than one year in business, provide personal return. If less than three years in business, provide returns for years filed. Businesses that have not filed their income tax returns, may submit one year of their personal tax return.
All issued stock certificates - Provide front/back, include canceled/voided certificates
Proof of stock purchase/capital investment - Provide canceled check, purchase agreement, etc.
Articles of incorporation - Include all amendments, if any
Minutes of organizational meeting of board of directors
Minutes of organizational meeting of shareholders
Corporate bylaws

Question 25

What are the other required DM/DWBE application documents, when applicable?

Accepted Answer

Affidavit of No Employees - This document is required if the firm has no employees and the employer’s quarterly wage report is not submitted. Download, sign, notarize, and upload

New business documentation (if in business less than one year) - Provide an invoice with paid receipt or related canceled checks relating to the business and one reference for whom work has been performed or to whom goods and materials have been sold during the prior year
Employer’s quarterly wage report for last eight quarters or recent payroll for permanent, full-time employees - Include owners and officers. If none, complete and submit the Affidavit of No Employees.
Stock ledger
Proof that the business is principally domiciled in Hillsborough County - Only provide if you would also like SBE consideration. (i.e., utility bill, lease/rental agreement, property tax receipt, etc.)

Question 26

What are the SBE registration eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

Business has been organized under the laws of the State of Florida for a period of least one year

Principally domiciled in Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, or Hernando County for a period of at least one year
Is independently owned and operated
Employs 50 or fewer permanent full-time employees
Whose gross annual sales does not exceed $5,000,000 for professional consultant services, contractual services, or commodities, and $8,000,000 for construction averaged over the previous three-year period
Serves a commercially useful business function. Franchises, subsidiaries, and affiliates are not eligible for the SBE Program.
Service-Disabled Veteran Businesses

Question 27

What are the SBE registration mandatory application documents?

Accepted Answer

Application Affidavit - Download, sign, notarize, and upload

Proof that the business is currently principally domiciled in Hillsborough County and that the business has been principally domiciled in Hillsborough County for a period of at least one year (for example, business tax receipts, utility bills, lease/rental agreements, property tax receipts, etc.)
Licenses to do business in Florida - i.e. Business Tax/Occupational, professional, trade/permit, specialty, DBPR, etc. If you want to perform construction-related work or operate a construction-related business, you must have a contractor’s license.
Proof of Florida residency for all owners - Provide Voter I.D. or Property Tax Exemption Certificate
Complete current resume showing education, training, and employment experience with dates for all owners
Screen shot of current iSupplier registration with Hillsborough County
Last three years of your business’s federal tax returns, including all schedules and attachments. If less than three years in business, provide returns for years filed.
Provide official documentation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and/or the United States Department of Defense as proof of the Business owner’s service-connected disability and/or termination from military service for reason(s) of disability

Question 28

What are the other required documents for SBE registration, when applicable?

Accepted Answer

Affidavit of No Employees - This document is required if the firm has no employees. Download, sign, notarize, and upload

Employer’s Quarterly Wage report for last 8 quarters or recent payroll for permanent, full-time employees. Include owners and officers. If none, complete and submit the Affidavit of No Employees.
Proof of service-connected disability of all persons
Additional supporting documents not listed above

Minority and Small Business Certification Programs FAQs

Minority and small business certification programs frequently asked questions

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