PROGRAMS WE COVER
What each certification actually requires
Every requirement below is stated in plain language and cited to the rule or standard it comes from, with the date we last checked it against the live source. We prepare, you file. Nothing here is legal advice, and only the certifying body decides.
SBA
Veteran-owned certification (SDVOSB/VOSB via SBA VetCert)
Renews every 3 years
6 requirements · verified Jul 2026
6 requirements · verified Jul 2026
See what it requires →
SBA
Women-owned small business (WOSB)
Renews every 3 years
9 requirements · verified Jul 2026
9 requirements · verified Jul 2026
See what it requires →
WBENC
WBENC certification (women-owned, private sector)
Renews yearly
6 requirements · verified Jul 2026
6 requirements · verified Jul 2026
See what it requires →
NMSDC
NMSDC certification (minority-owned, private sector)
Renews yearly
6 requirements · verified Jul 2026
6 requirements · verified Jul 2026
See what it requires →
COMPARISONS
Women-owned small business (WOSB) vs WBENC certification (women-owned, private sector) →WBENC certification (women-owned, private sector) vs NMSDC certification (minority-owned, private sector) →Women-owned small business (WOSB) vs Veteran-owned certification (SDVOSB/VOSB via SBA VetCert) →Veteran-owned certification (SDVOSB/VOSB via SBA VetCert) vs NMSDC certification (minority-owned, private sector) →Women-owned small business (WOSB) vs NMSDC certification (minority-owned, private sector) →WBENC certification (women-owned, private sector) vs Veteran-owned certification (SDVOSB/VOSB via SBA VetCert) →
Bidding on federally funded transportation work? Read the DOT DBE rules →
What the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program requires everywhere: ownership, personal net worth, control, and size, each cited to 49 CFR part 26. Guidance for now, not a checklist: you apply through your own state agency.
Applying to more than one? See what overlaps →
Several of the programs above ask for the same formation, ownership, and resume documents. Gather them once and see which programs each one counts toward.
Not sure which one fits your business?
The free pre-screener asks eight questions and tells you which programs you appear to meet, and which you may not.