Diversity Certifications

Diversity

GDPM encourages all of its vendors to receive a diversity certification. It is proven to provide companies with greater economic opportunities. GDPM believes that diverse firms provide opportunities to all segments of the population thus stimulating regional economic growth.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business or Small Business Enterprise (DBE/SBE), Edge Certified and Veteran Owned Business (VBE).

MBE stands for Minority Business Enterprise. An MBE is defined as a business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more individuals who are African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American or Asian-Indian American; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of these owners.

MBE Resources available in the community:

Ohio MBE Certification
  • Business Certification- MBE Program
  • Ohio DAS, 4200 Surface Road Columbus, Ohio 43228-5628
  • Visit Website
  • Phone: 614-466-8380
  • Fax: 614-728-5628
  • Email: das-eod@das.ohio.gov
City of Dayton Minority Contractors Business Assistance Program (MCBAP)
  • City of Dayton Minority Contractors Business Assistance Center
  • 371 West Second Street, Suite 100, Dayton, OH 45402-4956
  • Visit Website
  • Construction Specialist: 937.333.1033
  • Administrative Assistant: 937.333.1002
City of Dayton Human Relations Council
  • 371 West Second Street, Suite 100, Dayton, Ohio 45402
  • Visit Website
  • Phone: 937-333-1413
  • Fax 937-222-4589

WBE stands for Women Business Enterprise. A WBE is defined as a business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more women and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of these owners.

WBE resources available in the community:

Ohio WBE Resources
City of Dayton Human Relations Council
US SBA WBE Resources
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

DBE stands for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. A DBE is defined as a "small business concern" by the Small Business Administration, that is at least 51% owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of these socially and economically disadvantaged owners. These firms are essentially the same as MBEs and WBEs except that the size of the firm is also a factor when determining its status. "DBE" is a federal term. Federally funded or federally-assisted projects use DBEs rather than MBEs and WBEs. The qualifying size of a firm depends on the type of industry.

DBE/SBE resources available
SBA Certifications

The State of Ohio’s EDGE program provides an EDGE to small businesses by Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity in public contracting. EDGE is an assistance program for economically and socially disadvantaged business enterprises. To view a list of EDGE vendors: Visit the EDGE certification Web site at www.das.ohio.gov/EDGE for the latest list.

EDGE resources available

GDPM also encourages Veteran Owned Businesses to bid on procurement opportunities. To gain more information about Veteran Owned Businesses and to obtain appropriate certifications, please visit following websites.

Section 3

The Section 3 program requires that recipients of certain HUD financial assistance, to the greatest extent possible, provide job training, employment, and contract opportunities for low- or very-low income residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods. If you live in government-assisted housing or if your household income falls below HUD's income limits, you may qualify as a Section 3 resident or Section 3 business concern.

Small, Minority, and Women-owned Businesses

Small business means a business, including its affiliates that are independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding, and qualified as a small business under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR121.

Minority business enterprise means a business which is at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more minority; or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of its voting stock is owned by one or more minority, and whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more such individuals. For the purpose of this definition, minority includes:

  • Asian Indian Americans
  • Asian Pacific Americans
  • Black Americans
  • Hasidic Jewish Americans
  • Hispanic Americans
  • Native Americans