The M/W/DSBE certification application form is online and requires the submission of several documents, as well as a non-refundable credit card payment. If your documents are prepared and organized in advance, it could take you as little as thirty minutes to complete the application. On the other hand, you may need several sessions over a few days to gather the required information and documentation.
M/W/DSBE Certification
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Benefits of Certification
The Enterprise Center provides Minority, Women, and/or Disabled Business Enterprise (M/W/DSBE) certification services for the City of Philadelphia's Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). City departments give priority to businesses in the OEO registry when purchasing goods and services.
Add your name to the list of qualified vendors by getting certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), and/or Disabled Business Enterprise (DSBE.)
The cost to apply depends on the number of certifications you apply for: 1=$200, 2=$375, and 3=$500. The application fee is non-refundable. If approved, your certification will have a term of one year.
Renewal/recertification fees will be: 1=$200, 2=$375, and 3=$500. The recertification application fee is non-refundable.
Qualifications to Apply
The primary qualifications to apply are:
- A for-profit firm that is at least 51% owned and managed by a person who is an ethnic minority, a woman, or disabled as determined by a licensed physician
- Meets the requirements of a small business as defined by the Small Business administration
- The firm is managed, and its daily operations are controlled by the minority, women, or disabled owner
- Ownership and control must be real and substantial
Businesses must be current with their City of Philadelphia taxes, and certification is subject to TEC verification that the business is current with City of Philadelphia taxes.
The cost to apply depends on the number of certifications you apply for: 1=$200, 2=$375, and 3=$500. The cost is the same for both first-year and recertification applications. The application fee is non-refundable.
Recertification Process
Businesses M/W/DSBE-certified by The Enterprise Center are eligible for recertification through The Enterprise Center.
- The certification expiration date is 1 year after receiving the certification. Regardless of when the recertification is complete, your annual renewal date will never change.
- The application for recertification can be submitted 120 days before the certification expires. It is highly encouraged to start the re-certification process early.
- As part of the recertification process, every three years a site visit of your business will be conducted. The fees for recertification are the same as the fees for a new application.
- After 6 months of lapsed certification, a business will be required to reapply as a new applicant.
Please visit the Enterprise Center Recertification Application to start your recertification process. (Do NOT use this link for a first-time certification.)
Start Your Certification Application Here
This recorded presentation details each and every required document and piece of information in the Certification Application. Please watch as your prepare your application documents or if you have questions about specifically required information.
Success Stories
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When we first started with The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation, we had maybe 6 or 7 accounts, and we've doubled that now. The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation has been very helpful funding my larger jobs and assisting me with maintaining payroll and buying equipment.
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Success Stories
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The CCE has been a helpful place to get questions answered when dealing with the city, how to create recipes, so we can be more consistent, create a budget, and best of all having other ‘foodprenueurs’ to meet and gain ideas and support in their endeavors.
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Success Stories
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When I discovered the MBE Equity Multiplier, I knew it was the missing component that would help make my vision clear. This process has equipped me and given me the confidence to push my vision forward to make it a reality.
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Success Stories
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Remaining competitive in the current marketplace often requires access to capital at key moments in our business.
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Success Stories
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I hope that when it all opens up that everybody goes out and supports our small businesses.
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Success Stories
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When they’re given easy opportunities to serve, our citizens really step up.
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Success Stories
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The $14,000 working capital funding will be used to formalize registration as a home care provider and hire initial staff.
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Success Stories
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As my business moves to the next level, leadership training, and management support that the Enterprise Center provides are keys to achieving greater sales and more contracts.
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Success Stories
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I highly recommend the Enterprise Center and MBDA to diverse founders who are seeking capital to scale their businesses.
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Success Stories
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Working with the MBE Equity Multiplier team has been life changing. I cannot recommend this service more - I'm still mind blown by how much better our pitch has become.
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Success Stories
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The Enterprise Center’s Dorrance H. Hamilton Center for Culinary Enterprises (CCE),is a great community to be a part of.
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