How to Register as a Minority Business in Connecticut

Minority businesses thrive when afforded equal opportunity.

A minority business in Connecticut can register to obtain certification as socially disadvantaged if it has endured the bias of racial and cultural discrimination when competing for contracts with city government. Furthermore, a minority business with diminished credit and assets can request certification as economically disadvantaged. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification promotes fairness and equal opportunity for minority businesses to compete against other businesses of the same genre that are not socially or economically disadvantaged.

Things You'll Need

• Uniform Certification Application
• Supporting Document Checklist
• Personal Financial Statement
• Affidavit of Certification

Instructions

1. Complete the "Uniform Certification Application," "Supporting Document Checklist," and "Personal Financial Statement" (see Resources attached to this article). These forms are required to register for the DBE.

2. Sign the "Affidavit of Certification" in the presence of a notary. If the business has multiple owners, each owner much sign a separate affidavit in front of a notary.

3. Mail the DBE application along with all accompanying documents to:

   Connecticut Department of Transportation
   Office of Contract Compliance
   Attn: Shari Pratt
   2800 Berlin Turnpike
   Newington, CT 06131

Tips & Warnings

• Incomplete applications and/or missing documents will delay certification.

• Minority business owners must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents by law.

• Nonprofit businesses cannot register for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.

References

• State of Connecticut: Connecticut Department of Transportation: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program: DBE Regulations

Resources

• State of Connecticut DBE Application Forms