Maryland's MBE Program

Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program

• Established in 1978 by the Maryland General Assembly to include socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners in state procurement and contracting opportunities.

Program Goals and Administration

• Statewide aspirational goal: 29% across 70 participating agencies and departments.
• Administered by the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs.
• Internally, works with participating agencies and departments on implementation, best practices, and reporting.
• Externally, works with small businesses interested in performing on state-funded contracts.

T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar Series

• A training program designed to help small, minority, women, and veteran-owned firms compete with greater confidence in state contracting.
• Offers two classes every month, free of charge, with advance registration required.

MBE Certification

• Only certified MBEs can contribute to meeting contract goals.
• Certification is performed and managed by the Office of Minority Business Enterprise within the Maryland Department of Transportation.
• Certifies businesses for federal socioeconomic and small business programs, in addition to the state's MBE Program.
• Hosts monthly application assistance workshops to aid small businesses in the application process.

Federal DBE/ACDBE Program

• Requirements are separate from Maryland's MBE Program.
• Applicants are not required to seek both federal and state certifications.

MBE Liaison

• Each participating agency and department has an MBE Liaison who serves as an advocate for MBEs working on contracts.
• Firms named to perform as an MBE are encouraged to connect with the liaison at the onset of the contract.