Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program

Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program is sponsored by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This program provides financial assistance to minority-owned businesses in transportation-related industries, including construction and professional services.

_Welcome to FloridaProcurements. com (FlaProc), your authoritative resource for navigating Florida’s government contracting landscape, with particular focus on transportation and technology opportunities. FlaProc provides free, expert guidance to help companies identify and secure state contracting opportunities throughout Florida.

_ _This resource is maintained by Attorney Sean Gellis ofGellis Law, PLLC, one of less than 75 attorneys Board Certified in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice by The Florida Bar.

Mr. Gellis brings unique insight to government contracting, having served as the Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS),_ _General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and Deputy General Counsel of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation –_ _positions that provided direct oversight of technology initiatives and issues of statewide importance.

His record in bid protest litigation reflects the sophisticated advocacy and strategic thinking he brings to government contracting matters, particularly in complex transportation and technology procurements. \_Sean also leads Procurement Insider, a confidential subscription service that provides technology vendors with strategic intelligence and insider analysis of Florida government opportunities.

Learn more about transforming your approach to government contracting at www. gellislaw.

com/procurement-insider\__ ## FREE GUIDE: How to Register Your Small Business as a Florida Certified Business Enterprise (Minority, Woman, or Veteran-Owned) This guide will teach you how to get registered with the state of Florida as either a Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), or Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (VBE) (collectively Certified Business Enterprises).

The Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) is housed within the Department of Management Services (DMS). OSD oversees the registration of Certified Business Enterprises. Before I explain the registration process, I want to discuss the eligibility requirements.

They are a bit stricter than you might think. I’ll go through them one by one with you: * ###### Your company must be registered to do business in Florida through the Florida Department of State as a for-profit organization. -If you are not registered to do business in Florida, you should head over to sunbiz.

org and get registered. * ###### Be based in Florida -You cannot obtain certification if you’re an out of state company * ###### Be owned and managed by a resident(s) of Florida -The company must be owned and managed by residents of Florida – meaning PEOPLE. A company that is owned by another company is generally ineligible for certification, even if the parent corporation is owned entirely by qualifying individuals.

* ###### Be 51 percent owned and managed by a woman, veteran, or minority who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien -This one is self explanatory. * ###### Be engaged in commercial transactions -You must be currently doing business in the marketplace of offering services in the marketplace * ###### Be registered in MyFloridaMarketPlace -I created a Free Guide on how to register in MFMP.

* ###### Have a net worth of less than $5 million -This should be pretty easy for the average small business owner. If you’re worth more than $5 million then your company probably doesn’t need the certification.

* ###### Have 200 or fewer full-time permanent employees -Again, the certification is not intended for large enterprises * ###### Have a professional license, if required by the industry, in the name of the woman, veteran, or minority business owner. -For example, if you’re trying to certify a small barbershop, the license must be in the name of the person who qualifies for the certification.

A business cannot borrow a license from someone who would not qualify. ### **Application Process** #### **Step 1: Gather Required Documentation** Before starting your application, collect the following documents: * The list can also be found here.

* Business tax returns (last 3 years) * Personal tax returns for all owners (last 3 years) * Business bank signature cards * Proof of Florida residency for qualifying owner(s) * Articles of incorporation/organization * Operating agreement or bylaws * Current business licenses and permits * Proof of veteran status (DD-214) if applicable * Proof of minority status if applicable * Current lease or property ownership documents * Equipment ownership/lease documentation * Employee records (W-2s, W-3s, 941s) #### **Step 2: Complete the Online Application** 1.

Visit the Office of Supplier Diversity website 2. Register in MyFloridaMarketPlace (Free Guide Here) 3. Locate the certification application at the bottom of the “Company Information” tab in your company’s MFMP profile.

4. You can do this by clicking the User Icon on the top right corner, selecting “My Profile,” selecting “Company Information,” scrolling down to the CBE Certification details section, verifying the designations, and then clicking the “Certify” Button. 5.

Answer the questions and upload supporting documentation via MFMP #### **Step 3: Application Review** * OSD typically reviews applications within 30 business days * You may receive requests for additional information * Respond promptly to maintain active status * Site visits may be required for verification ### **Maintaining Your Certification** #### **Annual Requirements** * Recertification is required every 2 years * Update any changes in ownership/management * Submit current tax returns * Maintain Florida residency * Keep MFMP registration active * Calendar important renewal dates * Keep documentation current * Maintain accurate records * Report significant changes promptly #### **Benefits of Certification** 1.

State Contracting Opportunities * Access to state contracts * Special consideration in some procurements * Networking opportunities ##### Business Development * Marketing opportunities ##### Financial Opportunities * Special financing options #### **Common Pitfalls to Avoid** * Incomplete documentation * Exceeding size standards #### **Additional Resources** ##### Training and Education ##### Networking Opportunities