Many Fortune 500 companies in America have supplier diversity programs in place. These programs are designed for large companies to source products and services from diverse businesses. They do this to keep their solutions in line with the shifting demographic profile in the United States. These companies recognize that a diverse supply base offers a competitive advantage in today’s multicultural business economy. In other words, large corporations are constantly looking for minority-owned businesses to work with.
One of the top benefits of MBE certification is that any contractual agreement between a corporation and a Certified MBE is counted towards that corporation’s supplier diversity goal.
PRE-CERTIFICATION WORKSHOPS
Want to get certified? Start by attending our monthly Pre-Certification Workshop! This session provides essential information on the certification process, requirements, and benefits. Attendance is required to begin your application.
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A U.S. citizen having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Sub-Sahara Africa. These countries include: Angola; Benin; Botswana; Burkina-Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; Comoros; Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Cote d’Ivoire; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Sao Tome &Principe; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda; Western Sahara; Zambia; and Zimbabwe. Caribbean natives of African descent are also eligible. These islands include Aruba, Barbados; Bonaire; the Cayman Islands; Saint Croix; The Bahamas or Antigua; Cuba; Hispaniola; Puerto Rico; Jamaica; Dominica; Montserrat; Saba; Saint Kitts; Saint Lucia; Saint Thomas; Saint John; Tortola; Grenada; Saint Vincent; Guadeloupe; Martinique; and Trinidad & Tobago.
A U.S. citizen whose origins are from the Asian Indian region. These countries include Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
A U.S. citizen whose origins are from the Asian Pacific region. These countries include the following: Cambodia, China, Guam, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Tibet, Taiwan, the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific or the Northern Marianas, and Vietnam.
A U.S. citizen of true-born Hispanic heritage from any of the Spanish-speaking areas of the following regions: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South America, Uruguay, Venezuela. In the Caribbean Basin only, Brazilians (Afro-Brazilian, indigenous/Indian only) shall be listed under Hispanic designation for review and certification purposes.
A person who is an American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut or Native Hawaiian is regarded as such by the community of which the person claims to be a part. Native Americans must be documented members of a North American tribe, band or otherwise organized group of native people who are indigenous to the continental United States, and proof can be provided through a Native American Blood Degree Certificate (i.e., tribal registry letter, tribal roll register number).
Certification gives MBEs exclusive access to top corporate purchasing agents, premium networking events, searchable supplier databases, affordable consulting services, technology programs, and vital introductions to nationally known corporations.
- For-profit enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the US, Puerto Rico or its trust territories
- Owned, Operated and Controlled by minority group members from truly ethnic heritage, as defined by NMSDC (51% +)
- USA Citizens
- Annual Validation required
PRMSDC hosts signature events each year. These events are designed to put corporate members and MBEs in the same place to discuss business opportunities and showcase MBE capabilities. Signature events include:
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- Business Opportunity Exchange
- MBE Annual Business Meeting
- Recognition Awards Event
- Empowerment Lunch
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In addition, PRMSDC offers small-scale, in-person and virtual events that help MBEs improve where needed. One of the top benefits of MBE certification is gaining access to experts and peers who can guide you regardless of your challenges.
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- New MBE Orientation Workshops
- Access Opportunity Events hosted by our Corporate Members
- Mentor-protégé and other programs
- Educational programs
- PRMSDC Talks
When your company becomes a Certified MBE, it also gets listed in the local and national minority supplier database. This placement allows corporations nationwide to find your MBE and contact you with contract opportunities and other business ventures.
•CLASS I Gross Sales up to 1 Million: $250 per year
•CLASS II Gross sales from $1 Million up to $10 Million: $500 per year
•CLASS III Gross sales from $10 Million up to $50 Million: $800 per year
•CLASS IV Gross sales above $50 Million: $900 per year
A certified minority supplier must renew their certification through the online portal at least 45 days before the expiration date or upon request from their home Council. Failure to submit the renewal application and all required documentation by the expiration date may result in certification termination. Please check your certificate for the exact expiration date.