Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification
SBE Certification at a Glance
What is it? A free certification that opens contracting opportunities to small businesses on federally assisted Maryland transportation projects.
Who's eligible? For-profit small businesses at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a personal net worth of $2,047,000 or less.
Is it based on race or sex? No. The SBE program is race- and gender-neutral.
Program benefits
The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program is a race- and gender-neutral program that provides contracting opportunities to small businesses on federally assisted projects with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, and Maryland Aviation Administration.
The Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) at the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM) certifies SBE firms.
Important note: SBE certification makes your firm eligible for SBE opportunities, but it does not guarantee contracts. You still need to market your services, bid on relevant projects, and deliver the work.
Am I eligible for SBE certification?
Your business must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for the type of work it wants to perform on contracts funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Its average annual gross receipts over the previous three fiscal years, or the time it has been in business if shorter, also cannot exceed the USDOT limit. That limit is $32.82 million as of April 1, 2026, and USDOT adjusts it for inflation.
See if your business qualifies: https://www.sba.gov/size
Check the current USDOT size limit: https://www.transportation.gov/DBEsizestandards
Each owner whose ownership counts toward the 51% requirement must have a personal net worth at or below $2,047,000. Retirement assets and business accounts are not counted.
Learn how to calculate your personal net worth: /How to Calculate Personal Net Worth
The owner or owners holding at least 51% of the business must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Only businesses organized for profit can be certified as SBEs.
How to Apply
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Check if your business is registered and in Good Standing
All businesses applying for certification must be registered and in Good Standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT).
For any questions about this, please contact SDAT at 1-888-246-5941.
Out of state businesses: Before applying, you must be certified and in good standing in Maryland and in your state of original jurisdiction.
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Gather your documents
Collect every required document before you start. Submit all documents as unredacted PDFs. An incomplete application delays your review.
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Manage your certification
Renew and update your certification in B2G, the Maryland Certification Management System. Certified MBEs are reviewed each year, and there is no cost.
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Review the application form in B2G
Open configuration options
Sign in to B2G, the Maryland Certification Management System, and review the application form. Complete all sections. An incomplete application package will delay the overall certification process.
- Leave all information unredacted.
- Do not leave blanks on the application.
- Note “N/A” in areas that are not applicable. For areas marked as “N/A,” include a brief statement why that information is not applicable.
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Submit your application in B2G
Upload your completed application and every supporting document as a PDF in B2G. You can track the status of your application in your B2G account.
Tip: Keep a copy of your application and documents for your files.
What happens after I apply?
Investigation: An investigator reviews your documents, visits your office or job site, and prepares a report.
Evaluation: Your application is evaluated to determine whether your firm meets the SBE program requirements.
Determination: We send you a written determination.
Get help completing your SBE application
Attend a free monthly application workshop or book a 30-minute one-on-one review of your application.
FAQs
SBE FAQs
No. A firm certified by Maryland as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is automatically certified as an SBE.
SBE eligibility is based on business size, owner net worth, citizenship, and for-profit status. DBE certification also requires each qualifying owner to show social and economic disadvantage. Maryland Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification counts toward State and local contracting goals.
Yes. Email [email protected] to ask for your SBE application to be separated from your DBE application.
Every year, submit an affidavit confirming your firm is still eligible, and report any change that could affect its eligibility.
SBE Recertification & Compliance: /SBE Recertification & Compliance
Questions about a certification?
Email [email protected] or call 410-697-9600 for help with your certification application.