Get Certified as a Minority-Owned Business

You can certify your business as minority-owned with Washington state.

Here's why you want to:

1. When you become certified, you will be listed in the OMWBE's searchable directory that helps buyers locate firms that meet supplier diversity goals
2. You become eligible to apply for the Linked Deposit Program, which can decrease interest rates on a small business loans by 2%
3. Projects funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), including highways, aviation, and transit, have mandatory goals for the inclusion of certified firms

To get certified, at least 51% ownership of the small business must be held by one or more persons who meet the definition of minority."  This includes:

• Women
• Racial/ethnic groups: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Native American, or Alaska Native

Steps to get Certified:

1. Gather supporting documents.  A list can be found on page 2 of this document
2. Go to the Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprices (OMWBE’s) website and click the Certification
3. Choose Apply for or Renew Certification and follow instructions to create a secure account
4. You can save your application and return to it later
5. Follow instructions to pay your fee ($25 to $100 depending on certification)

State certification takes about 60 days and federal certification takes about 90 days after fee is received.

Want help?

The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises is responsive and eager to support you.

Phone: 360-664-9750 | Toll-free 1-866-208-1064 | TTY 1-800-833-6384
Email: TechnicalAssistance@omwbe.wa.gov
1110 Capitol Way South, Suite 150 | Olympia, WA 98501  |  Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m