Diverse Vendor Classifications

Diverse vendor classification definitions and preferred certifying agencies:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
- A business enterprise majority owned by an LGBT person
- Preferred certifying agency: National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
Local Business Enterprise (LBE)
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- A business enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the United States or its trust territories, which is majority owned by minority group members
- Preferred certifying agency: State of Ohio, City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Regional Business Enterprise (RBE)
- A business enterprise located within the State of Ohio
Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE)
- A business enterprise majority owned by a veteran with a service connected disability
- Preferred certifying agency: VETBiz.org
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
- A business enterprise having fewer than 500 employees or the business ownership assets are no more than $750K or it is a qualified 8(a) firm.
- SBEs are required to register in the SAMS database (sam.gov), indicate their NAICS code and confirm that they are a “Small Business Concern” or Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
- A business enterprise majority owned by a veteran
- Preferred certifying agency: VETBiz.org, State of Ohio, or City of Cleveland
Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)
- A business enterprise majority owned by one or more women
- Preferred certifying agency: Women Business Enterprises Council (WBENC) or one of their 13 chapters across the country, local or state agency