MBE/WBE/MWBE Certification: State & City Programs Guide (2026)
Last updated: 2026-04-01
Summary: MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WBE (Women Business Enterprise), and MWBE (Minority/Women Business Enterprise) are state and city-level certifications that open access to government contract goals and set-asides. Unlike federal certifications, these programs are administered by individual states and cities with varying requirements. Major programs like New York (30% goal), Illinois (30% goal), and Chicago (26% MBE + 6% WBE) represent billions in annual contract opportunities.
What Are MBE/WBE/MWBE Programs?
State and local governments across the United States have established their own certification programs to promote diversity in government contracting:
- •MBE (Minority Business Enterprise): A business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more minority group members
- •WBE (Women Business Enterprise): A business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women
- •MWBE: A combined designation for businesses that qualify as either MBE, WBE, or both
These programs are separate from federal programs like SBA 8(a) and WOSB. They apply to state and local government contracts — not federal contracts. Each state and city has its own certifying agency, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Federal vs State/City Programs
| Feature | Federal (8(a), WOSB) | State/City (MWBE) |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | SBA | State/city agencies |
| Applies to | Federal contracts | State/local contracts |
| Uniform standards | Yes (nationwide) | No (varies by jurisdiction) |
| Portability | Valid nationwide | Usually state/city-specific |
| Cost to apply | Free | Free to $200 (varies) |
Major State & City Programs
| Jurisdiction | Program | Agency | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York State | MWBE (ESD) | Empire State Development | 30% |
| New York City | M/WBE (SBS) | Small Business Services | 30%+ |
| California | SB/DVBE (DGS) | Dept. of General Services | 25% SB + 3% DVBE |
| Texas | HUB (Comptroller) | Comptroller of Public Accounts | 23.7% (statewide) |
| Illinois | BEP (CMS) | Central Management Services | 30% |
| Florida | CMBE (DMS) | Dept. of Management Services | Varies by agency |
| Chicago | MBE/WBE | Dept. of Procurement Services | 26% MBE + 6% WBE |
| Los Angeles | MBE/WBE/OBE | Bureau of Contract Administration | 15-25% |
General Application Process
While each jurisdiction has its own process, the general steps are similar:
Step 1: Identify the certifying agency in your target jurisdiction (state agency, city department, or regional council).
Step 2: Review eligibility requirements specific to that program.
Step 3: Gather standard documents:
- •Business formation documents
- •Personal and business tax returns (typically 3 years)
- •Personal financial statement / net worth statement
- •Proof of minority/women status (birth certificate, passport, etc.)
- •Bank statements and financial records
Step 4: Submit the application online or by mail.
Step 5: Expect processing times of 30-120 days depending on the jurisdiction. Some programs conduct site visits.
Tip: If you already hold a federal certification (WOSB, 8(a)) or NMSDC/WBENC certification, mention this in your application — some programs offer expedited review for previously certified firms.
Private-Sector Certifications (NMSDC & WBENC)
In addition to government MWBE programs, two major private organizations certify diverse businesses for corporate supply chain programs:
- •NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council): Certifies minority-owned businesses. Recognized by most Fortune 500 companies. Application fee $350-$750. Many state MWBE programs accept NMSDC certification.
- •WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council): Certifies women-owned businesses. Recognized by major corporations for supplier diversity. Certification through regional partner organizations.
These certifications are valuable for businesses pursuing corporate contracts in addition to government contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MWBE certification?
MWBE stands for Minority/Women Business Enterprise. It is a state or city-level certification program that identifies businesses owned by minorities (MBE), women (WBE), or both (MWBE). Unlike federal certifications like 8(a) or WOSB, MWBE programs are administered by individual states, cities, or counties. Each jurisdiction has its own application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits. MWBE certification gives businesses access to state and local government contract goals and set-asides.
How does MWBE differ from federal certifications?
MWBE programs are state/city level, while 8(a), WOSB, and SDVOSB are federal. Key differences: (1) MWBE certification is managed by state agencies or city offices, not the SBA, (2) MWBE applies to state and local contracts, not federal contracts, (3) Eligibility criteria vary by jurisdiction (vs uniform federal standards), (4) You may need separate certifications for each state or city where you want to work, (5) Some jurisdictions accept federal certifications (like WOSB or 8(a)) as partial evidence for their MWBE programs, but this varies. You should pursue both federal and state/local certifications to maximize opportunities.
Which states have the largest MWBE programs?
The largest state MWBE programs by contract volume include: New York (30% MWBE goal for state contracts), California (25% small business goal with DVBE preference), Texas (historically utilized business programs through the Comptroller), Illinois (BEP program with 30% aspirational goal), Florida (certified business enterprise program), Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Many of these programs are worth billions of dollars annually in state contract awards.
Do I need a separate certification for each state?
Generally, yes. MWBE certification in one state does not automatically transfer to another state. Each state has its own certifying agency and application process. However, some states offer reciprocity or streamlined applications if you already hold certification from another jurisdiction or a federal certification. For example, some states accept the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) certification as evidence of MBE status. Check each state's specific requirements.
What is NMSDC certification?
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is a private, non-profit organization that certifies minority-owned businesses nationally. NMSDC certification is widely recognized in the private sector — many Fortune 500 companies use NMSDC certification for their supplier diversity programs. NMSDC certification costs approximately $350-$750 depending on revenue. While NMSDC is not a government certification, many state and local MWBE programs accept it as supporting evidence, and it opens doors to corporate contracts through NMSDC's network of regional councils and corporate members.
How long does MWBE certification take?
Processing times vary widely by jurisdiction: New York (MWBE through ESD) takes approximately 60-90 days, California (DVBE through DGS) takes 30-60 days, New York City (M/WBE through SBS) takes 90-120 days, Chicago (MBE/WBE) takes 60-90 days, and Texas (HUB through the Comptroller) takes 60-90 days. Common reasons for delays include incomplete documentation, missing financial records, and high application volumes. Most programs have no application fee or a very small fee ($25-$200).
What are the typical MWBE contract goals?
MWBE goals vary by jurisdiction but are typically expressed as a percentage of total state/city contract value: New York State sets a 30% MWBE goal, New York City sets 30%+ goals depending on agency, Illinois has a 30% aspirational goal through BEP, Los Angeles has goals ranging from 15-25% depending on the contract type, and Chicago has a 26% MBE and 6% WBE goal. These goals mean that state/city agencies must make good faith efforts to award a certain percentage of contracts to certified MWBE firms. Prime contractors on large projects also have MWBE subcontracting goals.
Related Resources on This Site
Helpful guides
- Payrollpay stub requirements by state
- Overtimeovertime rules by state
- Sick Leavepaid sick leave requirements by state
- Employment LawFMLA — who qualifies and how it works
This is general information, not legal advice. MWBE program requirements vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Contact your state or city's certifying agency for current eligibility requirements and application procedures.