DBE Certifications in West Virginia

Explore DBE Certification programs available in West Virginia

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications are awarded to businesses throughout West Virginia that are at least 51% owned and operated by a disadvantaged individual. By getting certified, businesses receive increased opportunities and access to government and public contracts and subcontracts. To ensure nondiscrimination, disadvantaged businesses, which include small, minority, and woman-owned businesses, are given the chance to strengthen and grow through statewide, regional, and local programs.

Statewide Certification Programs

West Virginia Unified Certification Program (WVUCP)

To qualify for DBE certification, the business owner should apply through the West Virginia Unified Certification Program (WVUCP) program. The WVUCP operates as a “one-stop shop” for businesses looking to receive a Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) certification. With this certification, businesses can compete for state and federal Department of Transportation (DOT) contracts and projects. Benefits include greater visibility for large contracts, access to consulting and training resources offered by the WVUCP, and certification recognition by many Business Enterprise programs through the state. To qualify, businesses must be for-profit, at least 51% owned by a qualifying U.S. citizen, and meet financial requirements.

To apply, complete this application and Personal Net Worth Statement and submit them to any certifying agencies.

The biggest provider of DBE projects is the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) and it requires certification through the UCP. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program was established to ensure that businesses owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals are given the opportunity to participate in contracts financed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

Small, Woman-, and Minority-Owned Businesses (SWAM) Certification Program

The Small, Woman-owned, and Minority Business Certification Program is a state program that is at least 51% owned and operated by women in effort to increase the participation of SWAMs in state-funded projects. Being a part of the SWAM Certification Program gives vendors the opportunity to bid with out-of-state governments that also participate in the certification.

Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

The WOSB Federal Contracting Program creates many opportunities for participating businesses to be involved in federal contracts. To be eligible, your business must be a small business owned and controlled by a woman who is a U.S. citizen.

For more information on eligibility or how to apply, visit the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program located on the U.S. Small Business Administration website.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has four third-party certifiers for woman-owned businesses to use:

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC)
The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (EPHCC)

Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV)

As an affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) certifies woman-owned businesses in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. The WBENC Certification is the most prominent woman-owned business certification in the United States. WBEC-ORV offers access to numerous resources and creates opportunities for all certified members. Women can form connections and seek out corporations interested in doing business. To obtain a WBENC Certification, you must undergo a very detailed process. Businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by a woman who is a U.S. citizen may qualify.

National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)

Along with certifying woman-owned businesses, the NWBOC has expanded to certifying veteran-owned businesses as well. The NWBOC awards certifications for the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSM), and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). Being certified opens the door to many more opportunities for businesses.

To learn more about the program, certification, or eligibility, visit http://nwboc.org/index.html.

Click here to access the NWBOC certification applications.

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC)

The USWCC offers Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), National Women’s Business Enterprise (NWBE), and International Women’s Business Enterprise (IWBE) certifications, as well as many resources to set women up for success.

To learn more about the USWCC certifications, visit https://staging2.uswcc.org/certification/.

The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (EPHCC)

The EPHCC offers Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications to businesses that are either minority or woman-owned.

Visit the EPHCC website for more information.

Local and Regional Programs

Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KVRTA)

KVRTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program ensures that all DBEs have equal opportunities to participate in contracts, following regulations of USDOT 49 CFR Part 26. WVDOT certifies businesses as DBE through the WVUCP.

Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC)

Businesses in West Virginia 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). By certifying through this program, businesses can utilize exclusive resources and events, increase exposure to business opportunities, and access government and public contracts. The TSMSDC offers minority business certifications for companies across the state by applying online.

For more information on requirements for becoming MBE certified, visit https://tsmsdc.com/mbe-certification/mbe-certification-application/.