Certification Division

The Certification Division

The City of Austin's Small and Minority Business Resources Department certifies qualified firms as Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), and Small Business Enterprises (SBE).

The Certification Division verifies that the minority and/or women business applicant owns, manages, and controls the day-to-day operations of the for-profit business in compliance with the MBE/WBE Procurement Program Ordinance, Chapter(s) 2-9 (A)(B) of the City Code. The divison also hosts a monthly virtual pre-certification workshop that provides attendees an overview of certification, its benefits and how to get started. Join us by reserving your spot now.

Pre Certification Workshop

MBE/WBE General Eligibility

If you can answer yes to the following questions then you may meet the criteria to become a certified business with the City of Austin.

Is your business at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) from one of the presumed groups. Socially and Economically individual(s) must manage and control the day-to-day operations
Presumed Groups:

• Asian-American
• African-American
• Native American
• Hispanic
• Women

Does your small business meet the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Size Standard Guidelines?

Has your business been located within the State of Texas for at least 90 days?

Is your Personal Net Worth (PNW) below $2,434,885?

Are you a for-profit business?

Types of Certification

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) is a certification for a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more ethnic minorities who are economically disadvantaged. Ethnic minorities include the following groups: African-American; Hispanic; Asian-American and Native-American. 

Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

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

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a certification for small, minority and/or women-owned businesses that are socially or economically disadvantaged.

Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) is a certification for small, minority and/or women-owned businesses that are socially or economically disadvantaged.

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

Please acknowledge interest in HUB certification when completing the Minority/ or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) application online. SMBR will review your MBE/WBE application and supporting documentation for HUB consideration with the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) Office. For more information about HUB click here.