Get Certified
How do I apply for MBE Certification?
The certification application is available online.
How can I apply for certification if I do not have Internet access?
Call the Director, Minority Business Certification at (502) 625-0137 to have a copy faxed or mailed. Internet access is available at public libraries and various copy centers.
What are the criteria for certification?
TSMSDC certifies any for-profit business located in Kentucky, West Virginia and in the three counties of Indiana bordering the city of Louisville (Clark, Floyd and Harrison). To qualify as minority-owned businesses, firms must be 51% or more ethnic minority-owned, operated and controlled by a U.S. citizen (s).
Minority status is given to individuals belonging to one or more of the following groups:
African American
Hispanic / Latino American
Native American
Asian Indian American
Asian Pacific American
Does TSMSDC certify ethnic women-owned businesses?
Yes, providing they meet the ethnic requirement listed above.
Is U.S. citizenship necessary to qualify for certification?
Yes. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen either by birth or naturalization. Being a permanent resident alone does not qualify.
How much does certification cost?
New certification: $200
Recertification: $200
What does the Certification Committee look for in an application?
The committee is looking for minority ownership, managerial operations and control. 'Ownership by minority individuals' means the business is at least 51 percent owned by such individuals or, in the case of a corporation or a LLC, such individuals own at least 51 percent of the shares and control Corporation's Board of Directors or the LLC's Board of Managers. For more information, call theTSMSDC Certification Directorat (502) 625-0137.
How long does the certification process take?
The certification process ranges from 40 to 60 days depending on when the application is submitted and completeness of supporting documentation.
What are NAICS Codes?
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system that groups' establishments into industry sectors based on the activities in which they are primarily engaged. The NAICS is a comprehensive system covering the entire field of economic activities, producing and non-producing. This system replaces the former Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) designations. Corporate America and local, state, and federal government entities use NAICS codes. You are required to identify your businesses' NAICS designation code. The NMSDC and corporate buying groups use NAICS codes to identify certified MBEs.
Where may I locate my business NAICS Code?
You may locate the NAICS code at your local public library or on the internet. The Website address is www.naics.com
Is a site visit required? What if I have a home-based business?
A site visit is mandatory and conducted at the business headquarters during the review process of an application. A site visit may be conducted at a home if the business is home-based.
If I get certified through TSMSDC, am I certified through the National Minority Supplier Development Council?
Yes, certification obtained through TSMSDC is valid throughout the United State. However, a reciprocal certification may be necessary if you are required to hold a local certification for a particular contract or bid opportunity.
Am I eligible to be certified if I recently started my business?
Yes, there is no restriction on how long a business has been in operation.
How long is my certification valid?
Certification is valid for one year.
When do I have to recertify?
You must recertify by submitting a Recertification profile for your company at least one month prior to the expiration date or 'anniversary date' on your current certificate. We recommend you start the recertification process 30 to 60 days prior to your expiration date.
TSMSDC sends reminder notices, however you are ultimately responsible for the timely processing of your recertification. Your anniversary date will not be 'moved or changed.' Failure to recertify by the anniversary date will result in an expiration of your certification. You may find instructions on the recertification process under the 'Certification' section of the website.
What documents should I submit with my application?
All businesses must provide the following:
Business Statement (if applicable)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (passport, birth certificate)
Proof of Ethnicity for Owner(s), Partners, Shareholders (driver's license, birth certificate)
Two Years of Federal Tax Returns (Business)*
Financial Statements (P &L, statement of cash flows, balance sheet)
Notes Payable (if any)
Applicable Operating Business License and/or permits
Lease Agreements
Resume(s) of owner(s), partners or shareholders
Equipment Rental and Purchase Agreements (if applicable)
Contract or work history for the past three years (if applicable) (name/contact type of work performed or type of contract received)
Equipment owned or available (include description of equipment, year acquired, and current value)
Proof of Bonding Capacity (if applicable)
Bank Signature Card (copy signature card or letter from bank)
Indian/Native Americans Blood Degree Certificate (i.e. tribal registry letter, tribal roll register number) [if applicable]
$200.00 non-refundable processing fee
*Personal taxes if in business less than 1 year
For a corporation, you must provide the following:
Article of Incorporation
Certificate of Corporation
Minutes of 1st Board Meeting
Copies of Stock Certificates
Current Stock Ledger
Corporate Bylaws
Proof of Stock Purchase
For a Partnership, you must provide the following:
Partnership Agreements
I sent in my application to TSMSDC, so why have I not received any messages from TSMSDC or TSMSDC corporate members and MBE clients?
This is an age of electronic communication in the business world and TSMSDC uses email as its primary form of contact with MBEs and Corporate Members. Additionally, member corporations and MBE firms customarily use email for outreach messages and contacts. The email address TSMSDC uses to communicate with clients and corporate members is the address provided to TSMSDC on the certification application. If you are not receiving TSMSDC email messages, please contact our staff to be sure your company profile is up to date.
