Certify as a diverse or veteran-owned small business
To register as a small diverse business or veteran business enterprise with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you are required to submit proof of valid certification from a third-party organization.
Benefits of Registering
The Commonwealth aims to fulfill nearly 31% of contracts with businesses owned by minority, women, LGBTQ, disabled, or veteran business owners. Certifying as a small diverse business or veteran business enterprise may improve your chances when competing for contracts.
Where to Get Certified
If your business is majority-owned by a minority, woman, LGBTQ, disabled, or veteran business owner, third-party certification may be an option for your business. The following organizations provide certification to businesses. Fees and requirements vary.
Disability-Owned
- Disability:IN: Provides certification for disability-owned, veteran disability-owned, and service-disability-owned business enterprises
LGBTQ-Owned
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC): Provides certification for LGBTQ-owned business enterprises
Minority-Owned
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): Provides certification to members of qualified minority groups, including Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Program: Provides certification for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses
- Unified Certification Program: Provides certification for disadvantaged business enterprises
Women-Owned
- Woman's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): Provides certification for women-owned businesses
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Program: Provides certification for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses
- Unified Certification Program: Provides certification for disadvantaged business enterprises
Veteran-Owned
- U.S. Small Business Association Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert): Provides certification for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses
- Disability:IN: Provides certification for veteran disability-owned, and service-disability-owned business enterprises
After Certification
Third-party certifications may take up to a year for processing and review completion. Once your business receives proof of completed certification, you can self-certify your business with the Commonwealth.
Self-Certify Your Business with the Commonwealth
You must self-certify every two years to verify that your business qualifies as a small business. To self-certify your business, go the PRISM Portal and select “Self-Certify or Recertify as a Small, Diverse, and/or Veteran Business."
Follow the step-by-step instructions for the small business self-certification process.
Compete for Contracts
Once you complete the process and your application for business self-certification is approved, you can begin competing for contracts. Contracts are available with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PennDOT through separate processes.
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Do Business with the Commonwealth This portal includes bidding, awards, and other contract information for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. |
Do Business with PennDOT PennDOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services helps businesses compete on PennDOT contracts. |
Contact BDISBO
Email RA-SmallBusiness@pa.gov if you need support with certifying your small business.