Among the most popular state certifications, minority-owned small businesses can gain access to, usually, around 20% of all state contracting dollars. Get access to opportunities strictly set aside for MBE companies, and easily get picked up as a sub. Most state  contracts have a 5%-15% MWBE subcontracting goal. This means primes are required to find a certified company to act as a sub.

Governed by each states’ Department of Transportation, the DBE certification is a must for commercial and industrial engineers, construction companies and contractors. Typically, DBE certified vendors are given set aside contracts, and high spending goals when federal contracts are administered by the state, especially for all highway, road and bridge contracting needs.

Small businesses that don’t qualify for other socio-economic certifications can qualify for the SBE certification. This certification is sometimes issued at a state, county, or city level. This gives a small preference when bidding in the designated area of certification, and is also utilized on many subcontracting goals.

DBE certification or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification defines your business as being owned, controlled and operated by government recognized disadvantaged groups.  DBE is a State Certification.  Most states require contractors to use certified DBE firms to complete up to 20% of the work on federally funded projects. You compete against small DBE firms like your own for work, instead of larger firms.