In order to be certified in the State of Wisconsin, MBE firms must be at least 51% owned, controlled, and actively managed by one or more minority group members. Per § State Statute 16.287(1) and Administrative Code 84.02 (29)(a-e), eligible minority groups include the following racial ethnic categories:
- American Indian
- Asian-Indian
- Asian-Pacific
- Black
- Eskimo or Aleut
- Hispanic
- Native Hawaiian
Minority-Owned Business Enterprises must be organized as either sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, or joint ventures. MBE firms must be organized on a for profit basis; therefore, nonprofit and 501(c)(3) businesses are not eligible for MBE certification.
In order to be certified, MBEs must be currently performing a useful business function, i.e. has customers other than the State of Wisconsin.
Firms formed within one year prior to an application for certification or whose ownership or control has changed within one year prior to an application for certification are not considered eligible for certification.
Majority ownership of MBE firms may not be held in trust.
For businesses who are a subsidiary or affiliate, the parent company must be at least 51% owned by a minority owner or owners.
There is no fee for MBE Certification Applications.
