MBE Certification
For New York & Northern New Jersey
MBE certification verifies that an enterprise is minority owned and operated. This verification is established through a thorough examination of various documents and in-person conversations. The documents required depend on the type of organization that the firm has adopted – sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.
Benefits
Recognition
Are you ready to be nationally recognized by major U.S. corporations, public agencies, and non-profit organizations?
By joining The Council as an MBE, you’ll be included in the national database of certified MBEs — utilized by over 3,000 corporations nationwide. You’ll also be included in the listing of supplier diversity executives that’s shared with all NYNJMSDC certified suppliers.
Connection
MBE certification through The Council makes you eligible to participate in all NYNJMSDC events, including seminars, and procurement fairs, as well as benefit from newly certified supplier orientations. You’ll also be eligible to exhibit at the NYNJMSDC Business Opportunity Exchange (BOE) and the NMSDC Conference + Business Opportunity Exchange.

Requirements
In order to be certified as a bonafide MBE, a firm must meet the following criteria:
- United States citizens
- Minority businesses must be at least 51% minority–owned, managed and controlled. For the purposes of NMSDC’s program, a minority group member is an individual who is at least 25% Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American. Minority eligibility is established via a combination of document reviews, screenings, interviews and site visits. Ownership, in the case of a publicly owned business, means that at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minority group members
- Must be a for profit enterprise and physically located in the U. S. or its trust territories
- Management and daily operations must be exercised by the minority ownership member(s)
Groups that are NOT certifiable by the NMSDC are, and not limited to:
- Green Card Holders / Resident Aliens / Legal Permanent Residents
- Northern Africa (Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, etc.)
- Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal)
- Asia Minor Region (Peninsula between the Black Sea & the Mediterranean)
- Persian Gulf (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, etc.)
- Europe
Application Process
Whether you’re looking to get certified for the first time or to renew your certification, the entire application process can be conveniently completed through the new NMSDC Central Technology Platform portal.
The NMSDC Central® New Technology Platform will allow you to:
- Upload your documents
Once you log in, please review the landing page for required documentation and other pertinent information - Make payments through a secure electronic payment gateway
Everything is processed via a secure electronic payment gateway, which includes options for payment via electronic check (paper checks are not accepted) - Receive notifications
Get updates regarding your certification process and status in the new NMSDC Central portal - Access the system from your Affiliate Council’s website
Find The Council’s affiliate link here: https://affiliate.nmsdc.org/nynjmsdc
You will need to request a login ID and password to complete your application. If you have any questions, please contact our certification staff at certification@nynjmsdc.org.
Things to know about the application process:
- The certification process can take up to 90 days
- When completing the application, feel free to take as long as needed
- Your information will be saved for your next session and is completely confidential
- The processing of your application will begin when payment is received
- Application and documents are reviewed for completeness
- If your application is approved, you will be notified via email
- If the Board rejects your application, you may submit a letter of appeal
Disclaimer: The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NYNJMSDC) upon request, may make consultant referrals not recommendations. The NYNJMSDC expressly disclaims any liability in connection with contact, response or interaction between an applicant, consultant, or agency. Procuring consultants is strictly upon the applicant’s discretion.
From members to peers in your industry, see why it’s the people who make NYNJMSDC membership so beneficial.
View NYNJMSDC Members →
Fees
All applications require submission of a non-refundable application fee.
Classification | Annual Revenue | Fee Amount |
---|---|---|
Class I | Under $1,000,000 | $400 |
Class II | $1,000,000 — $10,000,000 | $600 |
Class III | $10,000,000 — $50,000,000 | $1,000 |
Class IV | Over $50,000,000 | $1,500 |
Expedited Application Processing (within 10 business days) – $1,000.00 (additional)
Recertification
A certified minority supplier must submit an application for renewal of certification through the online portal, at least forty-five days prior to the certification expiration date or upon request by your home Council. Certification can be terminated if the application for renewal and all required documentation are not received by the date of expiration. Please refer to your certificate for the expiration date.
Classification | Annual Revenue | Fee Amount |
---|---|---|
Class I | Under $1,000,000 | $350 |
Class II | $1,000,000 — $10,000,000 | $550 |
Class III | $10,000,000 — $50,000,000 | $900 |
Class IV | Over $50,000,000 | $1,000 |
Expedited Application Processing (within 10 business days) – $250.00 (additional)
Even if you don’t qualify for MBE certification or are already certified through another NMSDC affiliate, you can still get involved with The Council.
Discover Non-Certification Opportunities →
Programs & Events

Programs
The NYNJMSDC is here to support our certified MBEs. We understand that for some, joining The Council greatly reshapes current supplier-buyer relationships, which can bring about the need for a whole new way of doing business. Get the education and resources you need through our comprehensive supplier programs and events.

Events
Our calendar is filled with great events that enhance your outreach efforts, help you learn about other diverse suppliers in your vertical, and provide opportunities to meet new corporate business partners. We even offer MBE-exclusive matchmaking sessions throughout the year, providing direct business opportunities for our members and certified MBEs.
Getting your MBE certification in New York & New Jersey opens doors to a world of new opportunities. Gain a competitive edge, increase your visibility, and access a wide network of corporate partners actively seeking diverse suppliers.
At NYNJMSDC, we make the MBE certification process seamless, providing you with the support and resources you need to succeed. Our rigorous certification standards are recognized and respected across industries, giving your business the credibility it deserves.
Certify with us today and position your minority-owned business for growth, innovation, and success. Join a thriving community of MBEs and corporate members who understand the value of supplier diversity.
Set out on your path to success in the thriving markets of the Northeast. MBE certification in New York & New Jersey is the next on your company’s journey to expansion and success.