WBE/MBE/DBE Certification

A way to raise your profile and increase your chances of a successful bid is to take advantage of your status as a woman, minority or small business. Businesses owned by women or minorities as well as disadvantaged small companies can avail themselves of programs and rules that will help them compete against much larger and more established companies.

 

Obtaining certification as a “women business enterprise” (WBE), “minority business enterprise” (MBE), or “disadvantaged business enterprise” (DBE) is a ticket to greater opportunities, but getting that ticket is often more complicated than it would appear.

To obtain WBE/MBE/DBE certification, a company must be at least 51 percent owned by a woman, minority, or disadvantaged individual. Additionally, at least one woman, member of a qualifying minority, or disadvantaged individual must control the company’s management and daily business operations.

 

As simple as that may sound, many companies that apply for certification find themselves unpleasantly surprised when a certifying agency rejects their application. Issues with corporate structuring, ownership interests, board composition, or the delegation of day-to-day responsibilities can all lead to a denial or delay in processing an application, costing companies time, money, and opportunities.

 

At GHU, we prepare our clients for certification well before any paperwork is filed. With an abiding commitment to our clients’ success and the resources to help them reach their goals, we can help you: 

Because we are a full-service business law firm, we have the capabilities to address all of the underlying corporate issues that are often determinative in the WBE/MBE/DBE certification process. From corporate formation, to operational issues, to the myriad real estate, employment, tax, or insurance matters that intersect with our clients’ businesses, we give our construction clients a one-stop and unified source for all of their legal needs.