New Jersey business certifications

Who qualifies

Businesses meeting the selected category’s small-business or qualifying-ownership requirements. [New Jersey SBE and diverse certifications guidance]

• Select the applicable SBE, M/WBE, veteran, disabled-veteran, LGBTQ+ or socially and economically disadvantaged category and follow its linked eligibility rules. [New Jersey SBE and diverse certifications guidance]
• Submit the documentation required for that specific category through the state certification service. [New Jersey SBE and diverse certifications guidance]
• Register for New Jersey tax/employer purposes before completing the uniform application. The service helps determine eligible categories. [New Jersey Uniform Certification Service]

What it unlocks

• Directory recognition and access to applicable state set-aside or participation-goal programs; benefits differ by certification. [New Jersey SBE and diverse certifications guidance]

How to apply

1. Choose the certification category and read its linked eligibility and document requirements. [New Jersey SBE and diverse certifications guidance] Compare New Jersey certifications.
2. Select the applicable certificate types in the Uniform Certification Service and supply the requested provisional documents. [New Jersey Uniform Certification Service] Read the application instructions.

Who qualifies

For-profit small businesses at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who control daily operations. [USDOT DBE eligibility]

• Meet applicable small-business limits and demonstrate genuine ownership and control. [USDOT DBE eligibility]
• Qualifying owners must provide a personal narrative with individualized evidence of disadvantage, economic harm and a current personal-net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67]
• Provide ownership, financial, licensing and business records and cooperate with the certifier’s interview and site review. [49 CFR 26.83]

What it unlocks

• Certification establishes eligibility to participate as a DBE in covered transportation procurement. Check the UCP’s current reevaluation status before relying on contract goals. [49 CFR 26.83] [USDOT UCP directory]

How to apply

1. Start with the state’s lead UCP and confirm the appropriate certifier and current intake instructions. [USDOT UCP directory] Visit the state certifier.
2. Prepare the uniform application, supporting records, personal narrative and net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67] Check the application requirements.
3. Submit through the certifier’s instructed channel and respond to requests for records or an interview. [49 CFR 26.83] Follow the certifier’s submission instructions.