M/WBE Certification Process
A Minority Business Enterprise or "MBE" is a business that is owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority group members who have at least 51% ownership, and is located in the Baltimore City Market Area. A minority is defined under Article 5, Subtitle 28 to include members of the following groups: African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Native American.
A Women's Business Enterprise or "WBE" is a business owned, operated and controlled by one or more women who have 51% ownership, and is located in the Baltimore City Market Area.
Criteria
- Independently owned and operated business
- In operation 12 months before applying for certification
- Minority or women-owned for at least 12 months before applying for certification
- Have an operating office in the Baltimore City Market Area
Baltimore City Market Area
Baltimore City Market Area means the following geographic regions of Maryland:
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Anne Arundel County
- Howard County
- Carroll County
- Queen Anne's County
- Harford County
Certification vs. Pre-qualification
Pre-qualification and certification are different processes. Pre-qualification is the process by which the City's Office of Boards and Commissions (the "Office") determines the work capacity of a contractor. Through an analysis of a contractor's basic financial information, the Office assigns a base capacity rating.
The pre-qualification and work capacity rating provide the City with some assurances that the contractor has the experience and resources to perform the requirements of a contract. To obtain a pre-qualification application, call the Office of Boards and Commissions at (410) 396-6883. Certification, as noted above, is the process by which a business is determined to be a minority-owned or woman-owned business. The Minority and Women's Business Opportunity Office certify firms as MBE or WBE.
How To Apply