Minority Business Certification Information & Transition Update
Important Update: Certification Services Now Handled by NMSDC
The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (NWMMSDC) has transitioned all certification services to the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the national governing body. As part of this change, certification applications, renewals, and database management are now centralized through NMSDC’s new platform, The NMSDC Hub.
What This Means for You
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The NWMMSDC certification system went offline on August 12, 2025 (for two weeks), to allow the migration to the new platform.
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All certification activities including new applications and recertifications are now submitted and managed directly through the NMSDC Hub.
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You will receive an email from NMSDC with your new login credentials and instructions to access both the Certification Module and the MBE Search Database with a single account.
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Recertification applications submitted by August 11, 2025, were successfully transferred to the new system and do not need to be resubmitted.
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If you began a recertification but did not submit it before the transition, you will need to restart your application in the new system after launch.
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New Certification Applications started or updated in the last six months have also been carried over to the NMSDC Hub.
Support and Connection with NWMMSDC
Northwest Mountain MSDC is your dedicated regional partner for ongoing support, networking, and growth opportunities. Certified MBEs are encouraged connect with us to take advantage of our wide range of events designed to foster meaningful connections between minority businesses and corporate or public agency members.
Beyond our own signature annual events, certified MBEs gain exclusive access to dozens of additional networking, educational, and business development events nationwide through our affiliate council network. We are committed to helping you build relationships, access new opportunities, and grow your business every step of the way.
Certification Benefits
Business Opportunities
Being a nationally certified MBE through NMSDC means your business gains increased visibility in contracts and purchasing decisions that include supplier diversity goals. As a certified MBE, you unlock valuable business opportunities and strengthen your credibility in the marketplace. And we’re here to help you leverage these advantages. Whether it’s guidance on certification, proposal preparation, or connecting you with key corporate and agency partners, the Northwest Mountain MSDC team is dedicated to supporting your growth every step of the way.
Events & Networking
The Northwest Mountain MSDC produces a wide range of events to bring minority business enterprises (MBEs) together with corporate and public agency members for meaningful networking and relationship building. In addition to our signature annual events, certified MBEs enjoy access to dozens more events nationwide through our network of affiliate councils. We can help you make the most of these opportunities — from introducing you to the right decision-makers to guiding you on how to prepare for meetings and follow up effectively. Our goal is to ensure you’re not just attending events, but building connections that lead to real business growth.
Business Development & Education
At Northwest Mountain MSDC, we regularly host both online and in-person education and development events designed to help MBEs grow and succeed in contracting with corporations and public agencies. Whether you’re just launching your business or already established, our dedicated team is here to support you in reaching the next level of success. Even though certification is now managed nationally, we remain committed to providing valuable resources, training, and personalized guidance to help your business thrive.
Certification Process
Becoming a certified minority business enterprise (MBE) requires a few steps that take some time, but are worth the effort as you unlock new opportunities. Our team will help you through every step of the way.
- Review Criteria: Ensure your business qualifies for certification by meeting criteria such as being at least 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of U.S. citizenship for owners and business location details.
- Complete Application: Fill out the online application, preview questions, and upload necessary documents. Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
- Certification Review: The NMSDC team audits your application, contacts customer references, and may conduct interviews or site visits.
- Decision: You’ll be informed of the certification decision once the evaluation is complete
Is MBE Certification right for me?
The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is a recognition given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members. This certification helps minority-owned businesses gain access to corporate supply chains and new business opportunities.
Certification Eligibility Criteria
In order to be certified as a minority business enterprise (MBE) by the Northwest Mountain MSDC, the business must be:
- At least 51% minority-owned (Hispanic American, Native American, Asian/Pacific American, Asian Indian American, Black/African American)
- A for-profit business
- Physically headquartered in the United States or its territories
- Owned, operated, controlled, and managed by the minority owner(s) who must hold U.S. citizenship
The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council serves Idaho, Washington, Utah, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming. Below are the types of businesses who benefit from certification with the Northwest Mountain MSDC.
Small- & Medium-Sized Enterprises
Businesses across various industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, transportation, marketing, and consulting, seek MBE certification.
Startups
New businesses, especially those in technology and innovative sectors, often pursue certification to gain early access to corporate supply chains.
Established Companies
Larger, well-established companies also seek certification to diversify their client base and enhance their market presence.
“I have been certified for 15, 16 years. It’s supported me in a way of building a community that I would have otherwise not had. It has recognized me as a business within a business community that didn’t recognize me in the beginning […] Things come to fruition because of the community through the Northwest MSDC.”
“The NWMMSDC has not only provided us the MBE certification which helps us become a preferred vendor for many corporations but has connected us to many potential opportunities like Port of Seattle Authority, T-Mobile Park and so on.”
“Being able to promote [my certification] speaks volumes to other people of how serious we are about diversity.”
Why Certify?
Access to Corporate Contracts
Certified MBEs are listed in the NMSDC database, which is accessed by over 1,400 corporate members looking to diversify their suppliers.
Networking Opportunities
Certification provides opportunities to connect with other minority-owned businesses and large corporations through events and conferences.
Increased Visibility
Being certified can enhance a business’s credibility and visibility in the marketplace, making it easier to attract new clients and partners.
Support and Resources
Certified MBEs often gain access to training, mentorship, and other resources that can help them grow and succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minority Business Certification
I just recently opened my business. Am I still eligible to apply for the MBE certification?
Yes, we ask that you submit two (2) years of personal tax returns.
How much does MBE certification cost?
The cost for your MBE certification depends on the revenue class of your business.
Class 1 (annual revenue less than $1,000,000) = $300
Class 2 (annual revenue between $1,000,000 and $10,000,000) = $550
Class 3 (annual revenue between $10,000,000 and $50,000,000) = $850
Class 4 (annual revenue more than $50,000,000) = $950
How much time is required to obtain a certification?
45 business days.
What if the application is asking for a document I don’t have?
There is an N/A option available.
What is the recertification process like?
All you need to do is update the company’s revenue, taxes, and upload the recertification affidavit.
How much does recertification cost?
The cost for your MBE recertification depends on the revenue class of your business.
Class 1 (annual revenue less than $1,000,000) = $250
Class 2 (annual revenue between $1,000,000 and $10,000,000) = $500
Class 3 (annual revenue between $10,000,000 and $50,000,000) = $800
Class 4 (annual revenue more than $50,000,000) = $900
Will I receive a certificate once my application is approved?
You will receive a serial number and a downloadable certificate to use.
Is it possible to make changes to my application after I have already submitted it?
You may update your application throughout the process.
How do you verify ethnicity?
You verify your ethnicity through birth/death certificates, or Federal Documents where your ethnicity is clearly stated.
Is it okay for me to certify or already be certified with other organizations as well?
Yes, of course.
Where can I apply for certification?
You can apply here.