Glossary

A business that has completed a vigorous nine-year program created by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by African Americans. Its purpose is to increase participation of African American entrepreneurs in the economy.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by Asian Americans. This certification helps to promote the inclusion of Asian American businesses in public and private sector projects.

A subcategory of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification that applies to businesses operating at airports. It ensures opportunities for disadvantaged businesses in airport-related contracts.

A for-profit corporation organized under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, owned by Alaska Natives, and eligible for certain SBA programs and government contracts. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A certification that supports for-profit businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by individuals with disabilities. This certification encourages doing business with small businesses owned and operated by people with disabilities.

Certification for small businesses that meet the criteria of size and revenue, allowing them to participate in the local public dollars phase of The Banks development in Cincinnati, OH.

A designation given to businesses that meet specific criteria set by local or state economic development programs.

A nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing low-income communities through economic development, housing, and other programs, often eligible for SBA programs that support community growth. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A list maintained by certain states that includes vendors who have met the qualifications to bid on state contracts, streamlining the procurement process.

A designation for small businesses operating within the city of Cleveland, aimed at fostering local economic growth and supporting small enterprises.

A business that operates primarily within Detroit city limits, with the majority of employees and operations based in the city, qualifying for local business incentives.

A federal designation administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It is aimed at providing equal access to government contracting opportunities.

A specific DBE certification for businesses involved in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-related projects. It ensures disadvantaged businesses can participate in federal aviation contracts.

Certification for small businesses operating in Detroit with limited employees or revenue, typically under a specific threshold, allowing them to access local business incentives.

A business that has its main office or headquarters in Detroit, often qualifying for local incentives or preferences in city-based contracts.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals with disabilities, providing them with access to public and private sector opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals with disabilities, promoting their inclusion in various contracting opportunities.

A business where the owner is a Detroit resident and meets certain criteria, often aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurship and economic development within the city.

A certification for businesses in Detroit that meet size and revenue criteria to be classified as a small business, allowing access to local resources and contracting opportunities.

A designation for businesses owned by persons with disabilities, helping them to gain access to contracts and procurement opportunities.

Certification for newly established businesses in Detroit, typically within their first few years of operation, aimed at promoting and supporting local entrepreneurship.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by disabled veterans, providing opportunities for veterans who have service-related disabilities.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a disabled veteran.

A business with this certification operates in a zone designated to boost economic growth through tax incentives and local business support.

A certification for new or small businesses that are in the early stages of growth, providing them with opportunities to compete in the marketplace.

A certification granted by the EDGE Program to businesses that are at least one year old and 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or is located in a qualified census tract and the owner is economically disadvantaged.

A certification granted by the Small Business Association (SBA) to Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) that meet the criteria of an economically disadvantaged individual.

A business that has a significant positive impact on equity and inclusion within its community or industry, often recognized by local or state programs.

A certification for small businesses that are emerging in their industries and are local to the certifying state or city, providing them with support and opportunities to grow and compete.

A certification for small businesses that are emerging in their industries, providing them with support and opportunities to grow and compete.

A certification for small businesses that are emerging in their industries, providing them with support and opportunities to grow and compete.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a female, aimed at promoting the participation of women in business.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by Hispanic Americans, promoting their participation in the economy and access to contracting opportunities.

A designation given to businesses in areas that have historically been economically disadvantaged, providing them with access to certain contracting opportunities and resources.

A business partnership where at least one company is HUBZone certified, allowing them to compete for government contracts in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones). This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned and operated by veterans, certified by the state of Indiana, with eligibility for veteran-specific small business programs.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals with disabilities, helping to integrate them into the business community.

A designation given to a business that operates within a specific local area, often receiving support and preferences in local government contracting to boost the local economy.

A designation for businesses in a local area that are owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, providing them with access to local contracting opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by LGBTQ individuals, promoting diversity and inclusion in the business community.

A manufacturing business that operates locally, often receiving support to enhance local production and economic development.

A business that produces goods locally, supporting the local economy and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

A business that has been established and operating in a community for an extended period, contributing to local stability and economic growth.

A small business that operates within a specific local area, often receiving preferences in local government contracting to support economic development.

A business affiliated with minority ownership and control, promoting the inclusion of minority entrepreneurs in the economy.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by minority group members, providing them with access to various contracting opportunities.

A designation for very small businesses, typically with limited employees and revenue, that participate in programs providing tailored opportunities or incentives for businesses of their size.

A business that is controlled by minority group members, ensuring that minorities have significant influence and decision-making power in the company.

A business with this certification participates in a program that assists Small/Micro Business Enterprises (SBEs/MBEs) in their pursuit of contracting opportunities with a local government or municipality.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals who are part of a recognized minority group, qualifying for certain SBA programs and government contracts. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A publicly controlled company that is managed by minority group members, promoting diversity in publicly traded companies.

Certification for small businesses that meet size standards set by the Metropolitan Sewer District, typically focused on businesses involved in sewer and water-related projects.

A business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who are minorities or women, and is certified to participate in diversity-focused contracting programs.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by Native Americans, eligible for specific SBA programs and benefits for Native-owned businesses. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by Native Americans, providing them with access to contracting opportunities and resources.

A nonprofit organization recognized as serving the interests of Native Hawaiians, with eligibility for certain SBA and government contracting programs. This is a federal self-certification.

This certification is for businesses who are nonprofit, local businesses.

A business that has been designated as preferred for certain purposes, often receiving advantages in contracting and procurement processes.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by physically disabled individuals, promoting their inclusion in various business opportunities.

The PLBE or PUC-LBE is a local business certification for businesses located outside of San Francisco in the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Water System Service Area.

A business at least 51% owned and controlled by an economically disadvantaged individual who manages its day-to-day operations. This certification provides support for participation in public works contracting.

A business that is owned by residents of a specific area, supporting local economic development and community stability.

A business that meets the size standards defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA), often receiving support and preferences in contracting. This is not a certification, but an indication that they are a small business according to their NAICS codes.

A broad category that includes businesses that meet the small size standards set by government agencies, usually based on revenue and number of employees, for specific contracting programs.

A business that meets the criteria for small business status, providing them with access to various resources and contracting opportunities.

A small business that operates concessions, often within public facilities like airports and stadiums.

Provisions and programs designed to support and promote small businesses.

A program designed to facilitate purchasing from small businesses, promoting their inclusion in procurement processes.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, often eligible for preferential treatment in government contracts. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by service-disabled veterans, promoting their inclusion in various contracting opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by service-disabled veterans, providing them with access to federal contracting opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities, eligible for certain SBA and federal contracting benefits. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by service-disabled veterans, promoting their inclusion in various business opportunities.

A small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by service-disabled veterans, providing them with access to federal contracting opportunities.

A designation awarded to a business that is at least 51% owned by Section 3 residents, has at least 30% of its full-time employees as Section 3 residents (or individuals who were Section 3 residents within three years of their hire date), or commits at least 25% of awarded subcontracts to qualifying businesses.

A business owned by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, as defined by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or economic hardship.

A business owned by non-minority men who qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged.

A small business that operates within a specific local area, often receiving preferences in local government contracting to support economic development.

A small business providing professional services, which can include consulting, legal, architectural, and engineering services.

A small business participating in a program that assists with renovating storefronts to improve the aesthetics and economic viability of commercial districts.

A business that operates in a sustainable manner, often incorporating environmentally friendly practices into their operations.

A certified DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) participating in a program that supports small, underutilized businesses by helping them access contracts and procurement opportunities.

A small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans, promoting their participation in the economy and access to contracting opportunities.

A business that provides employment opportunities and a supportive work environment to individuals with disabilities.

A business that is owned by a Native American tribe and is eligible for SBA programs and contracts designed to promote tribal economic development. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A small business, often minority- or disadvantaged-owned, participating in a program that helps overcome barriers to starting or growing the business.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans. The purpose of this certification is to promote the inclusion of veterans in economic opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans. The purpose of this certification is to promote the inclusion of veterans in economic opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans, eligible for SBA programs and government contracts specifically designed for veteran-owned companies. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans. The purpose of this certification is to promote the inclusion of veterans in economic and contracting opportunities.

A small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans, providing them with access to federal contracting opportunities.

A business that meets the criteria for very small business status, often receiving support and resources to help them grow.

A business affiliated with women ownership and control, providing opportunities and resources for women entrepreneurs.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women, promoting the participation of women in business.

A small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women, providing them with access to federal contracting opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by women, qualifying for SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification and related federal contracting programs. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A joint venture where at least one partner is a certified Women-Owned Small Business, allowing the partnership to compete for contracts set aside for women-owned businesses. This is a self-certification through the SBA.