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Certify as a diverse or veteran-owned small business

To register as a small diverse business or veteran business enterprise with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you are required to submit proof of valid certification from a third-party organization.

Benefits of Registering

The Commonwealth aims to fulfill nearly 31% of contracts with businesses owned by minority, women, LGBTQ, disabled, or veteran business owners. Certifying as a small diverse business or veteran business enterprise may improve your chances when competing for contracts.

Where to Get Certified

If your business is majority-owned by a minority, woman, LGBTQ, disabled, or veteran business owner, third-party certification may be an option for your business. The following organizations provide certification to businesses. Fees and requirements vary.

Disability-Owned

Disability:IN: Provides certification for disability-owned, veteran disability-owned, and service-disability-owned business enterprises

LGBTQ-Owned

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC): Provides certification for LGBTQ-owned business enterprises

Minority-Owned

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): Provides certification to members of qualified minority groups, including Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Program: Provides certification for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses
Unified Certification Program: Provides certification for disadvantaged business enterprises

Women-Owned

Woman's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): Provides certification for women-owned businesses
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Program: Provides certification for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses
Unified Certification Program: Provides certification for disadvantaged business enterprises

Veteran-Owned

U.S. Small Business Association Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert): Provides certification for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses
Disability:IN: Provides certification for veteran disability-owned, and service-disability-owned business enterprises

After Certification

Third-party certifications may take up to a year for processing and review completion. Once your business receives proof of completed certification, you can self-certify your business with the Commonwealth.

Self-Certify Your Business with the Commonwealth

You must self-certify every two years to verify that your business qualifies as a small business. To self-certify your business, go the PRISM Portal and select “Self-Certify or Recertify as a Small, Diverse, and/or Veteran Business."

Follow the step-by-step instructions for the small business self-certification process.

Compete for Contracts

Once you complete the process and your application for business self-certification is approved, you can begin competing for contracts. Contracts are available with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PennDOT through separate processes.

Do Business with the Commonwealth

This portal includes bidding, awards, and other contract information for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Find Opportunities with the Commonwealth

Do Business with PennDOT

PennDOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services helps businesses compete on PennDOT contracts.

Find Opportunities with PennDOT

Contact BDISBO

Email RA-SmallBusiness@pa.gov if you need support with certifying your small business.