What Steps Need to Be Followed in Pennsylvania to Get a Small Business Minority Certificate?
When you have a small business, you want to find every advantage you can to compete against larger businesses. One of those advantages could be if you are part of a recognized minority group. Pennsylvania small business minority certification can help you market your business in the Keystone State.
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Preference
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Pennsylvania government agencies are required to actively seek out minority small businesses when they need to make purchases or offer work contracts. Contractors who are seeking to do business with the state must show who they have contacted to use for supplies and work. A certain proportion must be minority businesses. Minority small businesses can also qualify as disadvantaged businesses if they meet annual income limits.
Eligibility
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To qualify as a minority small business in Pennsylvania, it needs to be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a qualified minority and or woman who is a U.S. citizen. The business must be for-profit and produce a good or service. It can have no more than 100 employees and must also be independent of any other business. The business needs to have been in operation for at least one year or have a two-year business plan that had been reviewed by a Small Business Development Center.
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Register Your Company
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To start the process, register your business online with the Pennsylvania Department of General Services Relationship Management System to be assigned a Pennsylvania State Vendor Registration ID Number. It may take a couple days to get your number, but you will need it for the certification application.
Complete the Application
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Complete the certification application. Though you can find the application online, it needs to be printed out and completed. Make sure to include all of the required documentation that the application asks for. You will also need to have it notarized before mailing or delivering it.
Certification
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Once the application is approved, you'll receive an email notice that includes a link to IRS Form W-9. This form needs to be filled out and transmitted within 10 days. Your certification is good for two years before you must re-certify. If your application is denied, you will be notified of the decision and the reasons why. You can ask for a reconsideration within 30 days of the denial.
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