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(The following is a list of frequently asked questions and suggested guidelines regarding Certification)
What is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)? Minority Business Enterprise is defined as a business firm which is at least 51 percent (51%) owned by minority group members, or in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned by minority group members.
What groups are considered minorities? Minority means Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.
MBE Certification is the process by which an applicant’s business status is validated by a certifying agency as being at least 51 percent owned, managed, operated and controlled by an ethnic minority or a group of minorities.
What is the cost of MBE Certification? There is no charge for certification with the City of Orlando.
How long is Certification valid? The initial certification is valid for one year.
Re-certification is the renewal of your MBE certification status, upon expiration of your annual certification. The process requires you to update your company and contact information (e.g., gross annual sales and financial information), and is not as extensive as the original certification process, except in cases of company name and ownership changes. There is no charge for re-certification with the City of Orlando.
The process includes a desk audit by staff to ensure your application is complete, with all required support materials. Staff contacts you if any document is missing, and your application will be processed when all requested documents are submitted. When staff’s desk audit is completed, your application and support materials are assembled for review by our Certification Board.
A site visit is a physical tour and on-site interview with your company’s owner(s), conducted by a trained Staff member, at the address provided in your application.
What documents are required to determine my eligibility of MBE status? If your company is a Corporation, submit a copy of: If your company is an LLC, Limited Liability
Corporation, submit a copy of: If your company is a Partnership, submit a copy of: If your company is a Sole Proprietorship, submit a copy
of:
Why do you ask for my financial information and what financial information will I need? Financial information is critical in validating a company’s business legitimacy, and is kept confidential. Depending on your business structure, you must provide:
Will my company need a business license? A business license requirement is determined by the area in which your company is located and the type of product or service your company provides.
What is a company's Certified Articles of Incorporation? A Certified Articles of Incorporation certifies a company filed its articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State.
I have yet to file my income taxes this year. What should I do? You may submit a copy of your IRS letter extending your tax filing date, with your previous year’s income tax statement.
What is an Affidavit of Applicant? An affidavit is a written declaration certifying that all the information you provided to us is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
What is the definition of ownership as being the 51% owner? The minority owner shall possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the business and to make the day-to-day decisions as well as major decisions on matters of management, policy and operations. It is the actual management of the business of those persons who have the ultimate power to hire and fire the managers. The minority owner should also carry a high rank in title as in CEO, President, etc.
Can I get assistance in completing the application? Yes. A Certification Workshop is conducted by the Minority/Women Business Enterprise Alliance. This workshop is free of charge. To reserve a seat, please contact them at (407) 428-5860.
What is the status of my submitted application? Please call our office or email all inquiries regarding the status of your application to Gina Bernard, Certification Officer at gina.bernard@cityoforlando.net
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