Certification Portal Transition
Click here to apply for Certification
Click here to apply for Recertification
BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION
The National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) certification comes with numerous benefits and services. Our mission involves connecting minority business enterprises (MBEs) with corporations, the public sector, and other Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to help them benefit from each other—fueling entrepreneurship and growing wealth in systemically excluded communities.
Certified minority businesses gain opportunities to network with our corporate members, pitch their business, and access educational programs and financial solutions.
While certification does not guarantee a major contract, it does create opportunities to leverage the NMSDC network and events to reach potential customers who understand the business imperative of building an inclusive supplier base.
- MBE Database – Certified businesses build searchable profiles in our database of MBEs, which corporations and other MBEs use to find potential suppliers. Showcase your company to potential customers through video, capability statements, and AI-integrated search.
- Access – MBEs gain exposure to hundreds of member corporations and 17,000+ other MBEs, creating opportunities to engage in business, form partnerships, establish strategic alliances, and build joint ventures for success.
- Conferences & Exchanges — NMSDC and its regional affiliates hold the largest U.S. conferences focused on minority business development. MBEs can present themselves to hundreds of prospective buyers, government agencies, and procurement professionals in a single setting.
- Capacity Building — NMSDC has created capital access opportunities for MBEs throughout their business life cycle through our partnership with the Business Consortium Fund, the Growth Initiative Certification, and Capital Managers Program.
- Contract Opportunities – NMSDC facilitates business connections between buying agencies and MBEs, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and business growth.
- Customized Education and Development – NMSDC offers a wide range of programs, targeted training, and technical assistance to help build stronger, more sustainable businesses, while also developing leadership tools for MBE CEOs.
- Networking Opportunities – NMSDC helps expand your network and strengthen your business relationships through intentional, high-impact connections.
MBE CERTIFICATION NEWS
As of August 13, all MBE certifications will be managed by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and processed via The NMSDC Hub.
The transition period will last approximately 18 days, through September 1. During this transition, new MBE certifications can get started using the pre-qualification link below, however, current MBEs and applicants that have already started the process will not be able to access the database for certification purposes. At the end of this data-freeze period, MBEs and applicants will be sent an announcement that The NMSDC Hub is now open to continue your current application or start a recertification application when you are within 90-days of your expiration date. Please keep an eye out for an email from ZohoAdmin@nmsdc.org that will have your login details and instructions for accessing the database.
The login ID for The NMSDC Hub will give you access to both the MBE Search Database, where you can find other MBEs to collaborate with, and the new Certification Module. You will only need one ID to access both systems. Existing MBEs can log in to The NMSDC Hub now to access MBE Search. When the system becomes available for certification, you will see a new Certification tile on the dashboard giving you access to the Certification Module.
Any recertification applications that were started but not submitted for processing when the data-freeze begins will have to be restarted in the new system. All other application drafts and submitted applications that have had some activity in the last six months will be transferred to the new system. When the NMSDC Hub Certification Module opens, work can resume from where it left off.
For MBEs set to expire during the data-freeze period, you will automatically receive a two-month extension on your current certification to ensure that you have plenty of time to submit your recertification application in the new system.
THE NEW CERTIFICATION SYSTEM
As of August 13, all MBE certifications will be handled by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and processed via The NMSDC Hub. The new system comes with several improvements including:
- Easier navigation and progress tracking.
- Improved and consistent processing times.
- Enhanced support from dedicated certification specialists at the national office.
- Added ability to update your profile any time using self-service features.
MBE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To get your business certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) it must be at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more qualified minority group members. For additional details regarding what is required during the certification process, go to the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) website: www.nmsdc.org.
START INITIAL MBE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
- After completing a brief pre-qualification survey, qualifying applicants will be emailed login credentials for The NMSDC Hub, where they can complete their application and track its progress.
- NMSDC’s goal is to complete the review of an application in less than 45 days. This relies on applications having complete information and timely responding to questions or requests that the certification specialist may have during the review.
- Certification fees vary by region and depend on the size of the business seeking certification.
- Fee can range from $300 to $1250 per business. The certification fee for your business will be displayed in your application once you have entered your business structure and annual revenue detail.
MBE RECERTIFICATION
A certified MBE must submit a recertification application through The NMSDC Hub. To ensure that there is no lapse in certification, you can submit your application up to 90 days prior to your expiration date.
Recertification applications submitted after expiration may incur a late fee. To find your company’s certification expiration date, please refer to your MBE profile in The NMSDC Hub or your certificate.
OTHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
The NMSDC offers other certification programs and support. Visit the Certification section of the www.nmsdc.org to learn about these opportunities. They include some great programs like:
- Growth Initiative Certifications designed for minority businesses that have taken on capital to grow resulting in a minority ownership percentage less than 51%
- Investment Fund Certifications for funds helping minority businesses to grow
- Certification Fee Reimbursement opportunities
CERTIFICATION CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding the Certification or how to navigate the system, please contact the national office directly.
Phone:
212-944-2430, Option 1
855-498-5524
Email:
certification@nmsdc.org
For technical support and any login issues, please email thehubsupport@nmsdc.org.