Certification

Who Does NCMSDC Certify?

NCMSDC certifies any for profit U.S. business located in Northern California or Hawaii that is 51% or more ethnic-minority-owned, operated and controlled by a U.S. citizen(s).

Benefits of Certification

Nationally-recognized minority business certification

Direct access to procurement executives & buyers

Invitations to private networking events & seminars

Access to business development resources

Exposure to business opportunities: Both our corporate and MBE constituents are encouraged to post contract opportunities on NCMSDC's web page

National & local referrals: Each certified MBE's profile is listed in local and national databases and on our website. Corporations regularly utilize our databases and website as an invaluable source for locating certified minority vendors

Cost of Certification:

$350.00 Initial certification processing fee (local members) (non-refundable)
$150.00 Initial certification processing fee (reciprocal members) (non-refundable) 
$150.00 Annual recertification and profile update (all members) (non-refundable)

NOTE: Credit Card option NOT available

NCMSDC does not Certify all companies:

The network does not certify non-profits and no longer certifies a franchise business, and car dealerships (unless a fleet contract is in place).

PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Note: We are aware MAC and Windows7 users may experience technical problem resulting in a blank application. We recommend using another PC running on an earlier version of Windows. We also recommend that you only use Internet Explorer web browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader 6 or higher.  Or try uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe Acrobrat Reader (having two versions will cause a problem).

1) Certification Process (NEW applicants):

All completed applications MUST be submitted in a 3-ring binder, tabbed, and in order of required documents, to avoid processing delays and help during application review. Applications not meeting this requirement will be returned. (Exception: Reciprocal Applicants)

Applications submitted to our offices and "in-house" by the 21st of the month by 5PM, will be reviewed at the next Certification Committee meeting (if the 21st falls on a weekend, the deadline is the following Monday, 5PM).  The certification process takes 45 days, based on receipt, completion of your application, and start of review process. 

PROCESS:

1) Applications are first reviewed by the Director of Certification.  You will be notified if additional supporting documents are required.

2) Only complete applications will then be reviewed by the Certification Committee during the FIRST week of the following month. 

3) A site visit is scheduled during the second, third, and fourth week of the month.  Site visits are mandatory and conducted at the headquarters of the business by either NCMSDC or a member of the Certification Committee.  An application will not be approved without a site visit.  Home Office operations have the flexibility to meet at a mutually agreeable location.

4) The Committee recommends certification based on the evaluation and analysis of your application data and a site inspection of your business. 

5) NCMSDC's Board of Directors reviews and approves the Certification Committee's recommendations for MBE certification during the last day of each month.

Documents that must be submitted with your application:

All businesses must provide the following (additional information is required for Partnerships, Corporations, or LLC. Please view Frequently Asked Questions section):

• Fictitious Business Statement (if applicable)
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (ex. driver's license, US Passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of Ethnicity for Owner(s), Partners, Shareholders (ex. passport, birth certificate, other examples marriage license, parents birth certificate(s))
• Two Years of Federal Tax Returns (Business)*
• Financial Statements (P &L, statement of cash flows, balance sheet)
• Notes Payable (if any)
• Applicable Operating Business License and/or permits
• Lease Agreements
• Resume(s) of owner(s), partners or shareholders
• Equipment Rental and Purchase Agreements (if applicable)
• Contract or work history for the past three years (name/contract type of work performed or type of contract received, ex. include customer list, sample invoices/contracts)
• Equipment owned or available (including office equipment). Include description of equipment, year acquired, and current value.
• Proof of Bonding Capacity/Insurance/General Liability (if applicable)
• Bank Signature Card (copy signature card or letter from bank stating company name, account number and list of authorized signers).
• Indian/Native Americans Blood Degree Certificate (i.e. tribal registry letter, tribal roll register number) [if applicable]

      *Personal taxes if in business less than 1 year

     *Note: Social Security# is not an acceptable form of EIN# for your business.