If your firm is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) only, its participation will only be counted toward MBE goals on State-funded contracts.  Participation by Illinois MBE Certified firms will not be counted toward DBE goals on USDOT assisted contracts.  Please read the CMS Letter before you proceed with bidding on upcoming stimulus projects. 

Before you answer the questions below, please first answer the questions in the section on this website titled “Should I Apply For DBE Certification, MBE Certification, Or Both?”

Should I Apply for MBE Certification Only?

• Is the firm a non-profit entity organized to promote the needs of physically or mentally disabled individuals?

• Is your firm at least 51%-owned and operated by a disabled individual(s) who also controls the firm?

• Is the disadvantaged owner’s personal net worth in excess of $750,000, but less than $1,500,000?

• Does your business have average gross annual receipts in excess of $19.57 million, but that does not exceed the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards in the areas in which it is applying for certification, according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)? See http://www.sba.gov/size/indextableofsize.html

You should review the certification guidelines for each of the agencies highlighted on this page and determine which one is right for your business.  If you have questions, you can contact each of the Agencies for assistance or contact the Chamber and we will help point you in the right direction.  We do not offer certification assistance but we can assist you with finding the right help.