Any for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the United States or its trust territories, and 51% owned, controlled and managed by U.S. citizens from one or more of the groups below. In the case of publicly owned businesses, at least 51% of the stock must be owned and daily operations of the business controlled by one or more of these groups:

Minority Business Enterprise

• African American, Hispanic American, Asian Pacific American, Native American, or Asian Indian American

Women Business Enterprise

• Non minority woman

Veteran Business Enterprise

• Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

Small, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

• Socially and economically disadvantaged individual as defined by Small Business Administration (SBA) guidelines

Disabled Business Enterprise

• Handicapped or service-disabled individual. A handicapped individual has a physical, mental or emotional impairment, defect, ailment, disease or disability of a permanent nature, which in any way limits the selection of any type employment for which the person would otherwise be qualified.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)

• Individual who has a business located within a historically underutilized business zone and employs at least 35% of its workforce from residents of a HUBZone.

Preferred Certifying Agencies

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• National Women's Business Owner's Corporation (WBDC)
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Other recognized governmental agencies