DBE Certifications in New Mexico

Explore DBE Certification programs available in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico strives to create equal opportunities for all businesses. To do so, New Mexico offers certification programs for disadvantaged businesses which include small, minority, and woman-owned. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program was started by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), following regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Part 23 and 26. Businesses are given the chance to strengthen and grow through statewide, regional, and local programs.

Statewide Certification Programs

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE)

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program was established to give all certified businesses the maximum opportunity to take part in contracts supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The program issues both the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certifications. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% owned and operated by someone who is socially and economically disadvantaged.

The program offers DBE Supportive Services to provide extra support and training for disadvantaged businesses. The service works to partake in the businesses’ growth process so that they are more equipped to take part in federally supported highway projects.

Visit https://dot.state.nm.us/content/nmdot/en/OEOP.html#DBEC for more information.

Click here for the DBE certification application.

Local and Regional Programs

The City of Las Cruces’ Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Las Cruces’ Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program was established in order to create equal opportunities for small, minority and woman-owned companies. This program helps these firms who want to engage in business projects and opportunities with the city of Las Cruces. Those eligible for the program must become DBE certified through the New Mexico Department of Transportation in order to participate. You can find more information on https://dot.state.nm.us/content/nmdot/en/OEOP.html#DBEC.

Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS)

The Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS) certifies woman-owned businesses in New Mexico, as well as Arkansas, Oklahoma, and north and central Texas. As an affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), this program offers access to numerous resources and benefits for all certified members. WBCS has over 1,200 Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) members and in addition to distributing the WBENC certification, the organization strives to educate members and support their growth. Businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by a woman who is a U.S. citizen may qualify.

To learn more about the certification’s benefits and criteria, or to apply, click here.

Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council (SMSDC)

Businesses in New Mexico that are at least 51% owned and operated by one or more ethnic minorities can get a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification from this regional branch of the national organization called the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). The Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council (SMSDC) offers its services in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Southwestern Texas. Members certified by the SMSDC are given increased exposure to business opportunities and support to grow as a company.

For more information on the MBE certification, visit https://www.smsdc.org/mbe-certification/. To begin the certification process, visit https://affiliate.nmsdc.org/smsdc/app.