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Contents
Minority/Woman Owned Business or Enterprise (M/WBE) CertificationVeteran-Owned Business (VOB) and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB)Small Business Enterprise (SBE)Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) CertificationsLesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning (LGBTQ+) CertificationUrban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) CertificationSocially and Economically Disadvantaged Business (SEBD) Certification
The $100 filing fee to become certified as a Small, Minority, Woman, or Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (SMWVBE) was indefinitely waived as of June 1st, 2021.
Learn How to Apply to be a Small, Minority, Woman, or Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (SMWVBE)
Applying for certifications can help your business find funding and qualify for government contracting opportunities. This video helps you learn about the online forms required to apply on the Uniform Certification Services (UCS). The UCS is the online application service for applying for State certifications, like Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE).
Important Timestamps:
- 3:03 Learn what documents will be required with the application
- 3:40 Create a Uniform Certification Service account
- 4:23 Walk through the application process
- 11:09 Check your application status
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Recent Regulations and Resources
Minority/Woman Owned Business or Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification
A minority and/or woman-owned business or enterprise (M/WBE) can get certified with the State of New Jersey. While the New Jersey state government does not give special consideration to vendors that hold M/WBE certifications, some local government contracts do give special consideration.
Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB)
VOB or veteran-owned business is a business that has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated, and at least 51% of the business is owned and controlled by persons who are veterans. DVOB is a disabled veteran-owned business. These certifications require different applications and offer different opportunities.
Learn more about VOB and DVOB.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Businesses can become an SBE or Small Business Enterprise through New Jersey's Set-Aside Program. Registered businesses become members of a limited group of vendors eligible to participate in selected contract offerings. The State aims to award 25% of its contracts and purchase order dollars to organizations registered as small businesses.
Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certifications
The ESBE program is a race- and gender-neutral program designed to provide select contracting opportunities to small, economically disadvantaged businesses. The program runs concurrently with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program on federally funded projects.
Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning (LGBTQ+) Certification
A lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning business (LGBTQ+) is a business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by persons who identify as LGBTQ+. Once a business has obtained certification, its contact information will be posted to a public database called Selective Assistance Vendor Information (SAVI), allowing state agencies or prime contractors to the state to identify all certificate-holding businesses.
Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Certification
Qualified businesses in certain urban areas can apply to be an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) business. A UEZ business may be eligible for benefits such as a reduced sales tax rate and tax-free purchases.
Check if your business is in one of the urban areas eligible for the UEZ program. If your business is eligible, you can apply to be a UEZ business.
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business (SEBD) Certification
The Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDB) certification shows that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by persons who have faced social or financial challenges. Once a business has obtained certification, its contact information will be posted to a public database called Selective Assistance Vendor Information (SAVI), allowing state agencies or prime contractors to the state to identify all certificate-holding businesses.