How to Register as a Minority to Bid on Government Contracts
Minority business certification is a designation given to companies with women or ethnic minorities in control or in ownership. To encourage more minorities to start businesses and to encourage business diversity, state governments often give preference to minority-certified businesses. Each state has its own process for registering minority businesses. However, most of them are as simple as downloading a form and sending it in with proof that you meet the qualifications.
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Instructions
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Obtain a minority business registration form from your state's official government website. Print or type all your business information. Sign and date the form and have all the business owners do likewise.
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Mail the form back to the address indicated on the form with any required fees. Include the required supporting documents, such as a copy of the government-issued IDs for all the business owners or business tax returns.
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Receive your minority business credentials by mail from the governing organization upon review of all your information.
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Tips & Warnings
Send copies of all materials, not originals, since no return mailing will occur.
Each time you bid on a government contract, you may have to prove your minority business status. Thus, keep your certification on hand, just in case.
Minority business status is not a permanent certification. You have to recertify every year or every other year, depending on the state.
Each state has its own process for registering minority business and eligibility requirements. For up-to-date minority business qualifications for your state, contact your state government for more information (see Resources).
