DBE Certifications in Texas
In the State of Texas, businesses that are at least 51% owned by ‘disadvantaged’ members of the population can gain additional business opportunities through diversity certifications. Small, minority, veteran, and women-owned and operated businesses are eligible for Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications through statewide and local/regional programs throughout Texas. With these certifications, ‘disadvantaged’ business owners can expand their work and influence through large contracts and subcontracts with public and government agencies throughout the state.
Statewide Certification Programs
Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP)
The TUCP is a Federal DBE program that allows certified businesses to seek partnerships with any Texas entity that receives funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). TUCP DBE certifications are available through six certifying agencies throughout the state and are valid and accepted by any USDOT-funded entities. To apply for this program, you must submit a completed application and Personal New Worth (PNW) statement to any of the following agencies:
- City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity
- City of Austin, Small Business Development
- Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
- North Central Texas Certification Agency
- South Central Texas Certification Agency
- Texas Department of Transportation
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Small Business Enterprise Program
Businesses that meet the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size requirements can apply for a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification through this statewide program. With this certification, businesses can access highway construction and maintenance projects that are fully funded by local or state funds. Businesses with a DBE certification do not have to apply for this certification. To apply for a TxDOT SBE certification, fill out and submit this application.
Local and Regional Programs
Austin DBE Programs
The City of Austin’s Small & Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Department offers certifications to businesses that controlled, owned, and managed by individuals who are both economically and socially disadvantaged. Certifications are available for disadvantaged, airport concessionaire disadvantaged, and woman and minority-owned businesses. All businesses must meet the SBA’s size standards for small businesses, be for-profit, and owners must meet a Personal Net Worth limit. To apply, click on the links below:
- DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
- ACDBE (Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Enterprise)
- MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)
- WBE (Woman Business Enterprise)
Corpus Christi DBE Programs
The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) seeks to avoid and solve discrimination against disadvantaged businesses. To qualify, businesses must meet size standards, be at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and owners must be American citizens who meet Personal Net Worth requirements. To apply, click on the links below:
Houston DBE Programs
For businesses located in the City of Houston, the city’s Office of Business Opportunity offers numerous business certifications. Disadvantaged businesses, small businesses, and businesses owned by minorities, women, or persons with disabilities may qualify for a certification in Houston. Minority and/or woman-owned businesses that are approved for a MBE or WBE may also qualify for a State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification, if state requirements are met. To apply, click on the links below:
- DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
- ACDBE (Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Enterprise)
- MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)
- WBE (Woman Business Enterprise)
- PDBE (Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise)
- SBE (Small Business Certification)
- HUB (Texas Historically Underutilized Business)
North Central Texas Regional DBE Programs
The North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) offers certifications for businesses owned by women, minorities, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. This agency offers assistance and counseling for these business owners to afford the best opportunities to advance their contracting and purchasing endeavors. To apply, businesses must be for-profit, meet size requirements, and be at least 51% owned by a qualifying American citizen, who must meet Personal Net Worth qualifications. To apply, click on the links below:
- DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
- ACDBE (Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Enterprise)
- MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)
- WBE (Woman Business Enterprise)
South Central Texas Regional DBE Programs
The South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) is a non-profit agency that offers certifications for disadvantaged, small, minority, and woman owned businesses in the South Texas area. By offering these certifications, this agency helps businesses participate in public and government purchasing and contracting opportunities. Minority and/or woman-owned businesses that are approved for a MBE or WBE may also qualify for a State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification, if state requirements are met. To apply, click on the links below:
- DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
- ACDBE (Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Enterprise)
- MBE (Minority Business Enterprise, including African American (AABE); Asian American (ABE); Hispanic American (HABE); and Native American (NABE))
- WBE (Woman Business Enterprise)
- SBE (Small Business Enterprise)
- HUB (Texas Historically Underutilized Business)
- VBE (Veteran Business Enterprise)
- DIBE (Disabled Individual Business Enterprise)
- ESBE (Emerging Small Business Enterprise)
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) DBE Programs
The METRO Office of Small Business offers DBE and SBE certifications to businesses in the Harris County region. This program is gender and race neutral, open to qualifying business owners of any sex, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, race, or disability. This SBE certification is recognized for inclusion in the women, disadvantaged, minority, and small business development programs offered by the Houston Community College Small Business Procurement, Houston First Corporation, Port of Houston Authority, and Fort Bend ISD.To apply, click on the links below:
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council WBE Program
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a third-party business organization that offers certifications to women-owned businesses throughout Texas. Applying business must meet WBENC procedures and standards and be at least 51% owned by a woman. This council is dedicated to bettering opportunities for women who are business owners or corporate members through programs, professional networking, and education. To apply, click on the links below:
- Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (South Texas)
- Women’s Business Council – Southwest (North/Central Texas)
Minority Supplier Development Council MBE Programs
Businesses that are at least 51% owned by one or more ethnic minorities can get an MBE certification from the Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC). This organization offers minority business certifications for companies throughout Texas through locations in Houston, Austin, El Paso, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth. To apply, click on the links below:
- MBE (Minority Business Certification) – Houston
- MBE (Minority Business Certification) – Dallas/Fort Worth
- MBE (Minority Business Certification) – Southwest
Texas Small Business Association DBE Programs
The Texas Small Business Association offers certifications to woman, veteran, and minority-owned businesses, as well as small businesses. These SBA-approved certifications can help businesses find greater opportunities for government and public contracting through the state. To apply, click on the links below: