EPHCC

Certifications

State Certifications

Many states also have minority-owned business programs.  In Texas, the most recognized programs are the Texas State Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) which is overseen by the Texas Comptroller’s office, and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), overseen by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Who is eligible:

For most programs, at least 51 percent of a business needs to be owned by a member of a minority group, or a woman of any ethnicity, in order to qualify for certification.

Certifications:

  • No cost for certification.

Federal Certifications

The Small Business Administration offers several Federal small business certifications for any business that would like to become suppliers to the U.S. Government. These valuable certifications help minority-owned companies win contracts in the public sector.
The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Business Border Center is a Third Party Certifier for the SBA’s Woman Owned Small Business & Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business Contracting Program.  Your Women’s Business Border Center is a joint project between the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Women’s Business Ownership for more than twenty years serving our small business community!   We create opportunities for women or anyone who wants to access business information, personal guidance, and insight into business-management skills. Our services are open to anyone regardless of their gender, race, or if you are a member of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Contact your WBBC today to start the process and get you certified to supply to the federal gorvernment!

Please contact us at 915.566.4066 or contacting our WBBC Program Director, Mary Helen Aldeis at maldeis@ephcc.org or via phone at 915.566.4066, ext. 14.

Who is eligible:

The business must be at least 51 percent owned by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Ownership needs to be direct, which means that businesses owned by another business or trust that are in turn owned and controlled by a ‘disadvantaged’ individual don’t qualify.

Certifications:

  • The cost for the processing and certification is $500.00. 
  • 8(a) Business Development Program
  • Federal HUBZone
  • Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
  • Woman Owned and Economic Disadvantaged Woman Owned
  • Service Disabled Veteran owned  

Corporate America

f your company wants to connect with private-sector buyers, the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications can be real assets. Used correctly, these certifications can help you do business with corporations including IBM, Microsoft, Walmart, CVS, and Marriott.

Who is eligible:

For-profit enterprises of any size that are located in the United States and are owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members, or women, who are U.S. citizens. For the purposes of these corporate certifications, a minority group member is an individual who is a U.S. citizen with at least 25 percent Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American heritage. Documentation to support the claim is required.

Certifications:

  • Cost of Certification: About $350-$1,200, depending on region of the country.

Interested in a Certifications?

If you have any questions the MBDA Business Center  team can help.