The following outlines how to become a certified Minority- or Woman-owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) with the state of Missouri. 

ELIGIBILITY

• Business must be at least 51% owned by a minority and/or woman who is a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S.;
• The minority and/or woman owner must hold the highest position in the company and be capable of exercising direct control over daily and long-term decisions regarding the management, policy and operations of the business; and
• The business must be organized as a for-profit business. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Access the self-assessment tool under the Am I Ready to Apply page. This will help you better understand the certification criteria and determine if you are ready to start your application. 
• Start the application process by completing registration for a MoLogin Account. (Link for registration can be found at the bottom of the self-assessment)
• Once your registration is complete, you will be able to create, submit, and manage the application for MBE/WBE certification. (You can use the quick-link Login button from the OEO home page once you’ve created your MoLogin account.)

COMPLETE APPLICATION

Select “Start Initial Application” from the drop down and complete all information. You will be required to upload all documentation that supports the information you provided in the application. 

Once you have completed the application entirely and uploaded the required documentation, you will perform a validation check and submit your application to OEO. 

A specialist will review your application for completion. If any additional information is needed, you will receive an email request. 

ONSITE VISIT

After review of your application and documentation, you will be contacted by a certification specialist to schedule an onsite visit. This visit is held with the owners to review the aspects of the business structure, ownership, control, and management. 

Onsite visits are usually conducted at the applicant’s place of business. (An alternative location may be used if deemed necessary by the certification specialist.)

The onsite visit typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. 

CERTIFICATION

After the onsite review is complete, a final review of all information will be conducted and a determination for certification will be made. 

If certified, the applicant (now certified vendor) will receive an email and an attached certificate. 

The vendor will also be listed in our MBE/WBE Vendor Directory and receive the additional preference points (if applicable) on state-issued contracts. 

RENEWAL

A yearly update is required to maintain certification as an MBE or WBE. The business will receive a reminder email 60 and 30 days prior to the required update.

Annual Update – indicate any changes in the last year. 

Recertification – Required documentation of good standing with the Missouri Secretary of State, last 3 years of federal business tax returns, and a notarized recertification affidavit.