Presented by the

Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center

Certification and Capability

Statements

CERTIFICATION 101

This section will cover the following points:

• What is minority certification?

• Why get certified?

• The requirements of each certification

Questions are encouraged, ask away!

WHAT IS MINORITY CERTIFICATION?

Various government organizations, from Federal to Local, have created

participation programs for the Minority and Disadvantaged communities.

To fulfill the goals of these programs the organizations use minority certification

programs.

WHAT IS MINORITY

CERTIFICATION?

Agencies certify businesses to prove:

1. Ownership –

1. The disadvantaged party must own 51% or more of the business

2. Must be in business for a certain length of time.

2. Control –

1. The applicant must document operational and managerial control of the company

WHY GET CERTIFIED?

Advantages offered to Certified Enterprises:

1. Access to bid opportunities with publicand private entities; subcontracting.

2. Potential for increased awareness of your business

3. Access to special financing programs and incentives.

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Federal8(a) Business

Development Program

Must be owned 51% owned and controlled by socially disadvantaged individuals

Must be in business at least 2 years.

Small Business by SBA size standards

Veteran Owned Small Business/Service Disabled

Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB/SDVOSB)

Must be 51% owned and controlled by a Veteran.

Must be registered in Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration Database

Administered by

SBAAdministered by

VA

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMSFederal

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

Based on Personal Net Worth of owners

Must be at least 51% owned and controlled by socially disadvantaged individuals with a net worth >$1,300,000 (not including home or investment in company).

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

Must by at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women (U.S. Citizens).

Small Business by SBA size standards

Can apply for disadvantaged status.

Administered by Department of Transportation

Administered by SBA

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMSState

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

Must be at least 51% owned by an eligible minority group member (Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American)

Business must be located in Ohio, and have been in business for one year.

Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise (EDGE)

Must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more people with a net worth > $250,000 (not including home or investment in company).

Can also qualify by being in a HUB Zone, being mentally or physically disabled.

Administered by Ohio DAS

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMSLocal

Columbus Minority Business Enterprise (MBE/HBE/ABE)

Must be at least 51% owned by an eligible minority group member (Black, Asian, Hispanic, & Native American)

Must be within Columbus MSA

Must be in business at least 3 months

Columbus Female Business Enterprise (FBE)

Must by at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women (U.S. Citizens).

Must be within Columbus MSA

Must be in business at least 3 months

Administered by City of Columbus

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

LocalLocal Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise (LEDE)

Business must be located in Franklin County

Personal net worth can not exceed $750,000 not counting primary residence or ownership in company

Administered by Columbus City Schools

Certification Types of Documentation Requested

DBE • Birth certificate• Resume• Copy of licenses required to do your business• Office lease agreements• Bank Signature Card• Documentation on any loan agreements or bond

agreements• Financial statement (monthly/year-end)• List of equipment and any lease agreements• Documentation for all company vehicles• Proof of contribution to acquire ownership• Personal and Business taxes• Documentation from Secretary of State• Operating Agreement• Owner/Member Roster + stock ledger and copies

of certificates• Meeting minutes

Ohio MBE

Ohio EDGE

Columbus MBE/FBE

Columbus CitySchools LEDE

Need assistance with your certification application(s)?

Call the MBAC to schedule an appointment! 614-252-8005

What is a Capability

Statement?!?

Capability statements

Defined as:

“A brief outline of a company that is trying to contract work with a government office. This statement describes the company, its capabilities and its expertise.”1

Simply stated:

Source: 1 - Definition of a Capability Statement | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_6883889_definition-capability-statement.html#ixzz2Ik0OCSyW

Capability statements

At most a 1-2 page document, serving as marketing tool for your Company

Useful when trying to contract with the Government and other Businesses.

Should include:

Who you are + contact information

All appropriate codes – NAICS, SIC, UNSPSC

What you sell + your specialty

Your capabilities and qualifications

Why Do You Need A

Capability Statement?!?

Why You Need A CS Now!

It’s a physical Elevator Pitch, relieves the pressure of trying to “get it all in.”

It quickly provides information about your company

Great for networking events, matchmakers, sales calls, and can be posted to your web site.

Can be tailored to suit specific audiences

A CAPABILITY

STATEMENT, PARTS WHOLE

• Company Overview (or narrative):• Brief company history, and

• Overview of your products/services

• Differentiators

• Key Personnel• Experience of:

• Owner/CEO

• Chief sales person

• Staff

• Core Competencies (or Capabilities):• List all products and services you offer

• List your specific services first, you want to show them why your company is the one for the job

• Company Data:

• Any applicable codes for your business

• Any licenses (and their numbers) you may hold

• Company Business Structure

• Past Performance (Customers):

• List major customers that you’re proud of (and that are proud of you!)

• List major projects that you’ve completed recently

• Contact:

• List the best person to contact when interested in procuring your services

Make your Statement Pop!

When giving out your capability statement, you want to make it stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips:

Use glossy/thicker paper

Present a seamless marketing profile:

Same colors on all letterhead, business cards, web sites and capability statement

Use graphics

Be creative!

Be sure to tailor your Statement for specific uses.

Certification and

Capability Statements

Have questions? Need assistance?!?

Contact: Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center

614-252-8005

mbac@comba.com