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