Austin Small and Minority Business Resources' Certification Division verifies that each minority- or women-owned applicant owns, manages, and controls the day-to-day operations of its for-profit business in line with the MBE/WBE Procurement Program Ordinance, Chapter 2-9 (A) and (B) of the City Code.

We also host a monthly virtual pre-certification workshop that offers an overview of the certification process, its benefits, and how to get started.

Pre Certification Workshop

MBE/WBE General Eligibility

You may qualify for certification with the City of Austin if you can answer “yes” to the following questions:

1. Ownership:
   Is your business at least 51 percent owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) from one of the presumed groups listed below?

   The socially and economically disadvantaged owner(s) must also manage and control the day-to-day operations of the business.

   1. Presumed groups:
   2. Asian American
   3. African American
   4. Native American
   5. Hispanic
   6. Women
       
2. Size:
   Does your business meet the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size-standard guidelines?
    
3. Location:
   Has your business been located in Texas for at least 90 days?
    
4. Personal net worth:
   Is the qualifying owner’s personal net worth below $2,434,885?
    
5. Business type:
   Is your business for-profit?

Types of Certification

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

A Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) is a small business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), that is at least 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by one or more economically disadvantaged individuals from the following ethnic-minority groups:

African American

Hispanic

Asian American

Native American

Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

A Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) is a small business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), that is at least 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by one or more economically disadvantaged women.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a small business that is minority-owned, women-owned, or both and is socially or economically disadvantaged.

Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

An Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) is a small business that is minority-owned, women-owned, or both and is socially or economically disadvantaged. This certification applies to firms that want to operate in airport concessions.

Steps to Certification

Step 1 | Become a Vendor

You must register your company as a vendor with the City of Austin before beginning the certification process.

• Go to Austin Finance Online to register your business.
• A copy of your W-9 form will be needed to complete your registration.
• Write down your Vendor Registration Number, you will need it for the Certification process.

If you have questions or need password assistance, contact Vendor Registration at (512) 974-2018 or email vendor@austintexas.gov.

Step 2 | Complete the WBE/WBE Application

Complete the application online in the certification and compliance system portal (CCS) at https://austintexas.mwdbe.com or click here to download a PDF version of the application. Applying through the CCS portal is the most efficient way to protect your information. Applying online also ensures you receive appropriate reminders, the status of certification(s), and communication from the SMBR Certification Division. After creating an account take the following steps:

• Click “Apply for Certification.”
• Create an account.
• Select your certification "type" to begin your application.
• Upload required business documentation.
• Monitor for communications from SMBR for next steps.

Additional information and resources

• Getting Started Certification Guide (for firms not certified) - click here to download a copy.
• MBE/WBE Personal Net Worth Form - click here to download a copy.
• MBE/WBE Alternate Personal Net Worth Form - click here to download a copy.

Step 3 | Maintain Your Certification

Owners of MBE/WBE-certified firms must apply for recertification every  four years after the firm’s initial certification by completing an online application on the CCS portal at https://austintexas.mwdbe.com.

Additional Certifications and Services

Small Business Construction Program (SBE) Certification

Interested firms must provide scopes in construction or a related field.  

The firm’s size must not exceed $16.5 million in average gross receipts for the past 5-years as established for 238-Specialty Trade Contractors by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and be certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the City of Austin.

• Complete the SBE application online at: https://austintexas.mwdbe.com.
• Owner(s) must provide a detailed resume  
• Provide 5-years of business tax returns, if applicable

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Certification

A Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) is a for-profit business in Texas that is at least 51 percent owned, managed, and operated by individuals who are economically disadvantaged because of their ethnicity — Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, or Native American — or by women or service-disabled veterans.

If you are interested in HUB certification, indicate your interest while completing the MBE/WBE application online.
Austin Small and Minority Business Resources will review your application and supporting documents for HUB consideration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) Office click here.