DBE Certifications in North Carolina

North Carolina offers several Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications to businesses within the state that are owned by ‘disadvantaged’ individuals. Businesses owners who are women, minorities, persons with disabilities, or socially and economically disadvantaged fall under this category, along with small businesses. To give these businesses equal opportunities to succeed, North Carolina offers several statewide, local, and regional certification programs. Businesses that are at least 51% owned by a disadvantaged member of the population may qualify for these programs.

Statewide Certification Programs

North Carolina Unified Certification Program (NCUCP)

Through the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the NCUCP offers DBE and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certifications to for-profit businesses that are at least 51% owned by a disadvantaged individual, meet financial requirements, and are involved in transportation or concession activity work. The NCDOT also offers a Small Professional Service Firm (SPSF) certification to qualifying businesses. This program works to offer equal and improved opportunities to certified businesses within the state. As a statewide program, this DBE certification is accepted by all entities that accept NCDOT funding throughout the state. To apply, click on the links below.

North Carolina Department of Administration HUB Program

The North Carolina Department of Administration offers a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification to businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. This includes minorities, persons with disabilities, and women who own businesses within the state. To apply, click on the link below.

    Local and Regional Programs

    Charlotte DBE Programs

    The City of Charlotte certifies small, minority, and woman owned businesses within the Charlotte Combined Statistical Area through the Charlotte Business INClusion Program. This program is designed to improve and increase public and government contracting opportunities for disadvantaged businesses. The city offers a specific percentage of its contracts to certified businesses to meet program goals, so this certification can positively influence business opportunities. To apply, click on the links below.

    Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Diversity Council MBE Program

    The Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (CVMSDC) works with minority-owned businesses to promote equality and opportunities throughout the region. This private, non-profit organization offers educational, networking, and business resources for certified members. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% owned and operated by an ethnic minority, including Hispanic/Latino-American, Asian-Indian American, African-American/Black, Native American, or Asian-Pacific American. To apply, click on the link below.

    Greater Women’s Business Council WBE Program

    The Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC) is a non-profit organization that certifies and works with women-owned businesses in the region. Businesses that are at least 51% owned by a woman or women may be eligible for this organization’s WBE certification. As an affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), this program offers significant support and resources for all certified members. To apply, click on the link below.