Minority-Owned (MBE): 51% owned and operated by African American, Hispanic, Asian American, or Native American. MBE can be certified by local/state/federal agencies or national agencies such as National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women’s Business Enterprise Network Council (WBENC), etc.
Woman-Owned (WBE): 51% owned & controlled by woman. Certification via Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB): Meet small business size standard and 51% owned & operated by woman.
Disabled-Owned Business (Disabled): 51% owned & operated by individuals with disability/service-disabled veterans who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Veteran-Owned (VET): 51% owned & controlled by a veteran. Certification through the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVET): 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more veterans. Eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability. Certification starts through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT): 51% owned, operated, managed, and controlled by LGBT person(s) who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Exercises independence from non-LGBT business enterprise.
Ability One (AbilityOne): The AbilityOne® Program is among the nation's largest sources of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. The Program is administered by the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, the operating name for the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.
Alaskan Native Corp/Indian Tribe (ANC/IT): Any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business: Must meet small business size standard; at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by a woman who is economically disadvantaged.
Historically Black College & University (HBCU): Institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before 1964 with the intention of primarily serving African American community.
8(A) Small Business (8A): Owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. This is a federal business development program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Small Business (SBE): Indicates whether a business concern is eligible for assistance from the SBA. Indicates whether the business is small, usually certified by a federal, state or local government agency or met all government standards.
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB): 51% owned by one or more people who are socially & economically disadvantaged. All firms must be certified by one of the Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Agencies designated by the SBA.
Disadvantaged Business (DBE): 51% owned by people who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Certification requirements are met through a federal, state or local government agencies. DBE businesses meet government standards.
HUBZone (HUB): Historically Under-Utilized Business (HUB) is a federal designation for a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe (including Alaska Native Corporations). The firm's principal office (the location where the greatest number of employees perform their work) must be in a HUBZone. 35% of the firm’s total workforce must reside in a HUBZone.