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.
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.