MBE CERTIFICATION
What is a MBE Certification?
Minority Business Enterprise certification can help generate more business for your company and can be used as a tool for long-term success. Alongside a solid marketing plan a MBE certification gives you a leg up to break through to the next level in your industry.
The Minority Business Program was created in 1983 through the enactment of Wisconsin Act 390 which extended and amended the law relating to purchases made by many state agencies and campuses of the University of Wisconsin System.
According to the Act, firms wishing to participate in the program must be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
Who is eligible?
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Belong to an ethnic minority group: Native American, Black, Hispanic, Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Aleut, Eskimo, or Native Hawaiian.
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Be at least 51% owned, controlled, and actively managed by minority group members.
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Serve a "useful business function" and have customers other than the State of Wisconsin.
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Must be at least one (1) year old under current ownership.
How is it beneficial?
There are several benefits of being certified. These include a preference which may be awarded to any MBE bid that is no more than 5% higher than the apparent low bid or competitive proposal that is no more than 5% lower than the most advantageous offer. This permissive 5% low-bid preference is applicable to all state purchases except printing and stationery. By being listed on the State’s directory, firms in the program have a broader business reach to corporate buyers beyond the borders of Wisconsin.
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