1. What are the requirements for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification? The company must be owned and controlled by at least 51% MBE or WBE interest and be U.S. citizens. For Minority Business Enterprises, the 51% interest must belong to one of the following ethnic groups:
A. Black
B. Native American/Alaskan Native
C. Hispanic or Latino
D. Asian/Pacific Islander
2. What are the ethnic definitions? The basic racial and ethnic categories for Federal statistics and program administrative reporting are defined as follows:
A. American Indian or Alaskan Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.
B. Asian or Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. This area includes, for example, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and Samoa.
C. Black. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
D. Hispanic or Latino – a person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
3. How is the ethnic background determined? Examples are: a copy of the birth certificate, U.S. passport, U.S. military records or tribal role numbers assigned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or other official documentation that states ethnic identification.
4. How do I receive a certification application? You may request one via the telephone by calling our office at 419-245-1198, accessing our Website “www.toledo.oh.gov” (go to City Departments then Affirmative Action Department/Contract Compliance and select MBE/WBE certification application) or you may write to us at:
Office of Affirmative Action/Contract Compliance
One Government Center Suite #1900
Toledo, OH 43604
5. How will I be listed? You will be listed according to your specialty and then we will list what services or construction work you can provide in detail. If you have very different services to offer we will not list you under different categories, but we will put the different service areas in bold print for easier reference. You will only be placed on one list; either the Minority Business Enterprise list or the Women Business Enterprise list. If you are a minority female, you will be listed under the Minority Business Enterprise list unless you notify us in writing that you want to be listed as a Women Business Enterprise instead.
6. How long will it take for me to be certified with the City of Toledo? If you meet the requirements and turn in all completed documentation it takes approximately 4-8 weeks. Incomplete applications and/or paperwork will result in delays. All applications are reviewed and subject to the approval by the Commissioner of Affirmative Action/Contract Compliance. The Commissioner renders the final decision on all applications. There is no formal appeal process for denied applications.
7. What does the certification process entail? Submit a completed, notarized application (All application areas must be answered). You must also provide (additional documentation may also be required):
A. Current Tax records, current business financial statements, bank signature cards.
B. Work resumes.
C. Proof of ethnicity.
D. Any relevant licenses.
E. Proof of Insurance and proof of Worker’s Compensation.
F. Articles of Incorporation, by-laws, minutes, shares ledger, corporate tax returns and stock certificates.
G. Any partnership agreements.
8. What if I am just recertifying? Every year you will receive an affidavit letter to sign and return if nothing has changed with your business (this letter will also verify your business phone numbers, address, etc.). If we require any additional paperwork for that recertification year, we will request it in the letter. However, please note: You must notify us if any structure of the certified business changes and recertify accordingly.
9. Who should I contact if I have more questions? You may contact our office at the telephone numbers or address listed below.
10. Are there any other agencies that provide services to MBE’s? The Minority Financial Commission provides technical, professional and financial support to MBE’s in the State of Ohio. The number is 1-800-848-1300.
Should you have any other questions, you may call (419) 245-1198 for assistance.