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

How To Apply

Complete the online application. 

Baltimore City MBE/WBE Program Overview

Director Lundy presented the Baltimore City MBE/WBE Program Overview.  Click here to view the presentation slides.

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.