MWBE, SBE, VOB and Other Certifications

A minority and/or woman-owned business or enterprise (M/WBE) can get certified with the State of New Jersey. While the New Jersey state government does not give special consideration to vendors that hold M/WBE certifications, some local government contracts do give special consideration.

Learn more about M/WBE.

VOB or veteran-owned business is a business that has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated, and at least 51% of the business is owned and controlled by persons who are veterans. DVOB is a disabled veteran-owned business. These certifications require different applications and offer different opportunities.

Learn more about VOB and DVOB.

‍

Businesses can become an SBE or Small Business Enterprise through New Jersey's Set-Aside Program. Registered businesses become members of a limited group of vendors eligible to participate in selected contract offerings. The State aims to award 25% of its contracts and purchase order dollars to organizations registered as small businesses.

Learn more about SBE.

‍

The ESBE program is a race- and gender-neutral program designed to provide select contracting opportunities to small, economically disadvantaged businesses. The program runs concurrently with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program on federally funded projects.

Learn more about ESB and DBE.

A lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning business (LGBTQ+) is a business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by persons who identify as LGBTQ+. Once a business has obtained certification, its contact information will be posted to a public database called Selective Assistance Vendor Information (SAVI), allowing state agencies or prime contractors to the state to identify all certificate-holding businesses.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ certification.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), Veteran Owned Enterprise (VOB), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (DVOB) must verify their certification every year and renew the application every several years. Applicants who do not complete the verification or renewal will have their certification revoked, and you will need to apply again.

Verification Frequency

• All certifications need to verify their certification annually.

You must verify your application 60 days before the due date--the due date is on the anniversary of your filing. If you access the site before 60 days, you will not see the option to renew. 

You will receive a reminder email 60 days before the due date with a link to complete the annual verification process online.

Renewal Frequency

• First-time M/WBE applicants must renew a year later. The renewal lasts for 3 years.
• VOB certificates need to be renewed every 3 years.
• DVOB certificates need to be renewed every 5 years.

NJSAVI (New Jersey Selective Assistance Vendor Information) is a database that allows a state agency or a prime contractor to the state to identify all certificate-holding businesses. NJSAVI lists vendors by business name, ID number, or address. It provides the name of the contact person, address and telephone number(s), gross sales categories, commodities, and/or construction trade code(s). It also identifies vendors as small, minority- and/or women-owned businesses.

For additional information on these programs or services, call the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration, and M/WBE Certification Services Unit at 609.292.2146.‍

Relevant forms are available from the Department of Treasury:

• MBE/WBE Regulations N.J.A.C. 17:46
• FMERA Request for Offers to Purchase - Howard Commons
• Veteran Owned Business (VOB) Registration Application
• Veteran Owned Business (VOB) Annual Verification Form
• Disabled Veteran Owned Business (DVOB) Registration Application
• Disabled Veteran Owned Business (DVOB) Annual Verification
• Registration and Certification: FAQs
• Commodity Code Lookup
• Construction Craft Code Lookup
• ‍New Small Business Enterprise Online Registry Service
• ‍MBE/WBE Certification Application
• Fast Track - Other (Port Authority, Out of State, Etc.) Certification Application

Qualified businesses in certain urban areas can apply to be an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) business. A UEZ business may be eligible for benefits such as a reduced sales tax rate and tax-free purchases.

Check if your business is in one of the urban areas eligible for the UEZ program. If your business is eligible, you can apply to be a UEZ business.