Resources

American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)

ABWA has dedicated more than 50 years to women’s education, and has provided workplace skills and career-development training for more than 545,000 members. This association helps business women help themselves through leadership, education, training and networking. For more information, visit www.abwahq.org.

CAPLines

CAPLines is the umbrella program under which SBA helps small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working-capital needs. One of these programs is called, “Contract CAPLines” which used to guarantee the financing required to cover the estimated direct short-term working capital needs in order to perform on assignable contract(s). For more information visit, www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/caplines.html.

Center for Women’s Business Research (founded as National Foundation for Women Business Owners)

This organization is the premier source of knowledge about women business owners and their enterprises worldwide. They provide original, groundbreaking research to document the economic and social contributions of woman-owned firms, and consulting and public relations services to maximize the benefits of this knowledge. Corporations, government policy makers, educators, organizations, media and individuals rely on their leading edge knowledge to strengthen their support of women business owners. For more information, visit www.womensbusinessresearch.org.

Central Contractor Registration (CCR)

All government contractors must register in the CCR. Certificates of Competency may be issued by the SBA on behalf of a small business to help them qualify for government contracts they might not otherwise receive. Small firms may also receive assistance with property sales/lease for timber, royalty oil, and real and personal property. Surety bonds guarantees may be available to assist small businesses in insuring losses incurred by bid, payment or performance bonds. The contracts may be used for construction, supplies or services provided for government or non-government work. For more information, visit www.ccr.gov.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Many states have their own procurement offices, such as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, which encourage contract development for small businesses. You can also contact the state economic development office, department of administration or department of commerce to identify where this function is housed in your state. For more information, visit www.dla.mil.db

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

Federal law mandates a number of requirements with respect to disadvantaged business enterprises ("DBEs") - as such entities are defined under federal law - in projects where federal funds are utilized. In terms of public works and construction projects, federal funds are generally used to some extent for major transportation projects in particular.

These requirements, which are under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Transportation, include setting of DBE utilization goals, design and implementation of a DBE "program", monitoring and reporting.

To qualify as a DBE, the business must be owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged persons as defined by DBE Regulation 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26. The presumption of disadvantage is refutable. Businesses must show:

• Minimum 51% ownership, control, and expertise of the individual(s) and
• Control of the daily management and operations of the individual(s)

The business’ size as measured by average annual gross receipts over the most recent three years must be under the specified dollar amounts. These size standards are set according to the business’ North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Depending on the industry, these limits can range from $2.5 million averaged per year to $17.4 million averaged per year. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers must meet an employee size standard ranging between 500 to 1500 employees, depending on the NAICS classification, and their average three year gross sales must be less than $17.4 million.

Generally, certification is done at the local, regional, or federal level. There is no fee to apply for certification.

Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DSDP)

The US Business Leadership Network Disability Supplier Diversity Program (USBLN DSDP) offers businesses that are owned by individuals with a disability the opportunity to increase their access to potential contracting opportunities with major corporations, government agencies, and one another.

Through the program, businesses can obtain Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification and get connected to a nationwide network of corporate and government procurement professionals, disability advocates, and other certified disability-owned businesses.

A firm can be qualified if:

• Be at least 51 percent owned, operated, managed, and controlled by individuals with a disability or service-disabled veterans who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents;
• Exercise independence from any other business enterprise;
• Have its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States; and
• Have been formed as a legal entity in the United States.

These certification criteria very closely follow the criteria of certifications offered by other national groups. Clarifying the definition of disability with respect to supplier diversity presented a challenge, as the federal government alone has over 70 definitions of disability.

The USBLN definition of disability is based on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which was intended to mitigate discrimination against individuals with a disability in employment, and the Schedule A Hiring Authority of the federal government, which enables a government agency to use an abbreviated hiring procedure when recruiting an employee with the disability.

The USBLN defines disability as a physical and/or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual and can be demonstrated by appropriate documentation. This definition of disability includes service-disabled veterans.

Certification is done at regional or national level. Certification application forms can be obtained from US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) found at www.usbln.org.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)

The law defines a disabled veteran as a United States military, naval or air service veteran with a service related disability of at least 10 percent.

For a firm to be certified as a DVBE, it must submit a completed Small Business and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Application and meet the following legal requirements:

• It is a sole proprietorship or partnership at least 51 percent owned by one or more disabled veterans or, in the case of a publicly owned business, with at least 51 percent of its stock owned by one or more disabled veterans; a subsidiary which is wholly owned by a corporation in which at least 51 percent of the parent company’s voting stock is owned by one or more disabled veterans; or a joint venture in which at least 51 percent of the joint venture’s management, control and earnings are held by one or more disabled veterans.
• One or more disabled veterans control the management and daily control of the daily business operations.
• The disabled veteran(s) exercising management and control need not be the same disabled veteran(s) who own the firm.
• It is a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation with its home office located in the United States and is not a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation, firm or business.

HUBZone Business Enterprises (HUB)

To participate in HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) contracting programs, a business must be determined to be a "qualified HUBzone small business concern". A firm can be qualified if:

• It is small,
• It is located in an "historically underutilized business zone" (HUB Zone)
• It is owned and controlled by one or more US Citizens, and
• At least 35% of its employees reside in a HUBZone.

To find out if you are in a HUBZone, visit the SBA's HUBZone page at http://www.sba.gov/hubzone/.

Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

Founded in 1915, the ISM is one of the most respected non-profit educational associations in the U.S. ISM is a communication link with more than 48,000 purchasing and supply management professionals. ISM is a progressive association with a mission to provide national and international leadership in purchasing and materials management, particularly in the areas of education, research and standards of excellence. Through various resources and a network of 180 affiliated organizations, ISM provides opportunities for expansion of professional opportunities for expansion of professional skills and knowledge. For more information, visit www.ism.ws

Local Business Enterprise (LBE)

Certification details vary by municipality. Basic requirements would include:

• A business which is certified by the State of California as a small business and has had its principal office located in the local county for at least one year; or
• In federally funded County solicitations subject to the federal restriction on geographical preferences, a business which is certified as small by the SBA or which is registered as small on the federal Central Contractor Registration data base.

Contact your local municipality’s contracting office for certification details.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

This agency funds Business Development Centers nationwide to help with start-up, expansion and acquisition of minority-owned businesses. It provides assistance with bonding, bidding, estimating, financing, procurement, international trade, franchising, acquisitions/mergers and joint ventures. For more information, visit www.mbda.gov

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

A minority-owned business is a for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the United States or its trust territories, which is owned, operated and controlled by minority group members. "Minority group members" are United States citizens who are Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American.

Ownership by minority individuals means the business is at least 51% owned by such individuals or, in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals. Further, the management and daily operations are controlled by those minority group members.

For purposes of NMSDCs (National Minority Supplier Development Council) program, a minority group member is an individual who is a U.S. citizen with at least 1/4 or 25% minimum (documentation to support claim of 25% required from applicant) of the following:

• Asian-Indian - A U.S. citizen whose origins are from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
• Asian-Pacific - A U.S. citizen whose origins are from Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific or the Northern Marianas.
• Black - A U.S. citizen having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
• Hispanic - A U.S. citizen of true-born Hispanic heritage, from any of the Spanish-speaking areas of the following regions: Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean Basin only. Brazilians shall be listed under Hispanic designation for review and certification purposes.
• Native American - A person who is an American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut or Native Hawaiian, and 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 is done at the local or regional level. The National Minority Supplier Development Council and its affiliates do charge a non-refundable application fee. Certification must be renewed each year along with payment of annual fee.

National Association of Home Based Businesses (NAHBB)

NAHBB gives members and subscribers a quick and reliable source of trade, business opportunities, management, direct and network marketing information. For more information, visit www.usahomebusiness.com.

National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC)

The NAMC is a non-profit trade association established in 1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors. While membership is open to all races and ethnicities, its mandate, “Building Bridges-Crossing Barriers,” focuses on the construction industries concerns common to African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. For more information, visit www.namcnational.org.

NXLevel

Since 1994, NXLevel has been helping entrepreneurs launch and grow thriving small businesses. NXLevel is the nation’s largest and most effective training network, with more than 300,000 graduates and more than 7,500 certified instructors. NXLevel offers training in all 50 states, as well as American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.nxlevel.org.

Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)

These offices were established to promote successful partnerships that result in an inclusive and effective small business procurement process. They offer a wide range of assistance in advocacy, outreach, and financial services. For a listing of federal OSDBU’s, visit http://osdbu.gov/listofmembers.html.

Office of Women Business Ownership (OWBO)

This office serves as the primary advocate for women business owners’ interests through access to: pre-business workshops, technical, financial and management information, federal government procurement information, access to capital and small loan programs. The office also provides a “Women’s Business Ownership Kit” at no charge, and has implemented a Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial training. For more information, visit www.onlinewbc.gov.

Other Business Enterprise (OBE)

Other Business Enterprise shall mean any business enterprise which does not otherwise qualify as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise.

SBA 8a Designation

A business enterprise meets the basic requirements for admission to the 8(a) Business Development program if it is a small business which is unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and citizens of the United States, and which demonstrates potential for success. This certification is geared more for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined in the Small Business Act.

The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms. The SDB certification strictly pertains to benefits in federal procurement. Firms achieving 8(a) certification automatically qualify for SDB certification.

Program participation is divided into two stages: the developmental stage and the transitional stage. The developmental stage is four years and the transitional stage is five years. Participants are reviewed annually for compliance with eligibility requirements.

8(a) General Requirements for Certification:

• Must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual or individuals
• African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, and Native Americans are presumed to qualify
• Other individuals can be admitted into the program if they show through a preponderance of the evidence that they are disadvantaged because of race, ethnicity, gender, physical handicap or residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society
• Individuals must have a net worth of less than $250,000, excluding the equity of the business and primary residence
• Must meet applicable size standards for small businesses in their industry
• 2 full years of business operations

Certification is done at the regional SBA office. Visit www.sba.gov for details.

SBA Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)

On October 7, 2010, the U.S. Small Business Administration published a final rule effective February 4, 2011, aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs). The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program authorizes contracting officers to set aside certain federal contracts for eligible:

To be an eligible WOSB, a company must:

• Be a small business that is at least 51% percent unconditionally and directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are United States citizens.
• Have a woman manage the day-to-day operations, make long-term decisions for the business, hold the highest officer position in the business and work at the business full-time during normal working hours.

To be an eligible EDWOSB, a company must:

• Be a WOSB that is at least 51% owned by one or more women who are “economically disadvantaged”.
• Have an economically disadvantaged woman manage the day-to-day operations, make long-term decisions for the business, hold the highest officer position in the business and work at the business full-time during normal working hours. A woman is presumed economically disadvantaged if she has a personal net worth of less than $750,000 (with some exclusions), her adjusted gross yearly income averaged over the three years preceding the certification less than $350,000, and the fair market value of all her assets is less than $6 million.

To participate in the Program, a WOSB or EDWOSB must meet the eligibility requirements and either 1) self-certify their business OR (2) be certified by an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier.

All WOSBs and EDWOSBs must register their status in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), as well as upload required documents to the WOSB Program Repository. CCR and ORCA have been updated to allow WOSBs and EDWOSBs to register and certify.

Third‐-Party Certification: A third party certifier is a national certifying entity approved by the Administrator that may engage in the certification process for the WOSB Program. At this time, no third party certifiers have been approved by SBA. SBA is currently in the process of reviewing applications for third party certifiers. We will post the names of the approved third party certifiers on www.sba.gov/wosb.

SBA will accept certifications by SBA of 8(a) BD Participants as long as the 8(a) BD Participant is 51% owned and controlled by one or more women and the business is currently in the BD program. However, a certified 8(a) BD Participant still needs to submit their 8(a) certification and WOSB certification to the WOSB Program Repository.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SBD)

Equivalent to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). See above.

Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

To become certified as a woman owned business, businesses must show:

• All prospective members must provide clear and documented evidence that at least 51% or more is women-owned, managed, and controlled.
• The business must be open for at least six months.
• The business owner must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien.

Evidence must indicate that:

• The contribution of capital and/or expertise by the woman business owner is real and substantial and in proportion to the interest owned.
• The woman business owner must direct or cause the direction of management, policy, fiscal, and operational matters.
• The woman business owner shall have the ability to perform in the area of specialty or expertise without reliance on either the finances or resources of a firm that is not owned by a woman.

Certification is done at the local or regional level. Certification must be renewed each year along with payment of annual fee. Certification application forms can be obtained from agencies found at http://www.mwbe.com/cert/agencies.htm.

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

WBENC, created in 1997, is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for women’s business enterprises in America’s major business markets. In partnership with women’s business organizations throughout the U.S., WBENC provides access to a national standard of certified women’s businesses to purchasing managers through an internet database. For more information, visit www.wbenc.org.