M/WBE is a minority and/or woman owned business or enterprise. You register to become an M/WBE with the State of New Jersey. While New Jersey state government does not give special consideration to vendors that hold M/WBE certifications, some municipal contracts do give special consideration.

A woman or a minority owned business can apply.

A Minority means a person who is: 1) Asian American, a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Hawaii, or the Pacific Islands; 2) American Indian or Alaskan native, a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America. 3) Black, a person having origins in any of the black racial groups in Africa; or 4) Hispanic, a person of Spanish or Portuguese culture, with origins in Mexico, South or Central America, or the Caribbean Islands.

A "Woman" or "women" means an individual, regardless of race, who self-identifies her gender as a woman, without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth.

1. A sole proprietorship, owned and controlled by a minority or woman;

2. A partnership or joint venture, owned and controlled by minorities and/or women in which at least 51% of the ownership interest is held by minorities and/or women and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more of the minorities and/or women who own it; or

3. A corporation or other entity, whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minorities and/or women who own it, and which is at least 51% owned by one or more minorities and/or women, or, if stock is issued, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minorities and/or women.

To be certified as a Minority and/or Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE), you must complete the following forms (as pertinent):

• Minority and/or Women Business Enterprise Certification
• MSDC or Other Fast Track Certification

For additional information on these programs or services call the Division of Revenue, Small Business Registration and M/WBE Certification Services unit at (609) 292-2146.

New Jersey State government does not give any priority to M/WBE organizations.