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

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