Which certification is right for me?
Start with the contracts you want to compete for.
• State-funded contracts: Certified Small Business (CSB), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) certifications count toward Maryland's State contracting programs.
• Transportation contracts funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT): Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certifications apply.
• Concessions at Maryland's airports: Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification applies.
There is no cost to apply for any of these certifications, and you can hold more than one if your business qualifies.
Who certifies your business
The Office of Small, Minority, & Women Business Affairs (OSBA) at DoSEM certifies CSB and VSBE firms online through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). The Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) at DoSEM certifies MBE, DBE, ACDBE, and SBE firms.
Maryland certifications
For contracts funded by the State of Maryland.
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Certified Small Business (CSB)
Compete for State contracts reserved for small businesses under the Small Business Reserve Program. Certify in eMMA in as little as one day. -
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Count toward MBE goals on State contracts. For small firms at least 51% owned and controlled by minorities, women, or persons with disabilities. -
Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE)
Compete for State contracts with VSBE participation goals. For small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
Federal certifications
For contracts funded by USDOT. DoSEM certifies these firms in Maryland.
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Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
A race and gender neutral certification for small businesses competing on USDOT-assisted contracts in Maryland. -
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Count toward DBE goals on USDOT-funded transportation contracts. Learn what the new federal rules require and how to apply. -
Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE)
Count toward disadvantaged business goals for concessions at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and Martin State Airport.
Business programs
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Maryland Cannabis Social Equity License
See who qualifies as a social equity applicant for a Maryland cannabis license. The Maryland Cannabis Administration handles applications. -
Preferred Provider Programs
See how State agencies buy first from Maryland Correctional Enterprises, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, and Employment Works providers.
State contracting goals
Maryland sets participation goals so more State contract dollars reach small, disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.
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20%
Of State procurement spending directed to Certified Small Businesses through the Small Business Reserve Program.
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29%
Statewide Minority Business Enterprise participation goal on State contracts.
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3%
Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise participation goal on State contracts.