26 Mar How to Apply for WBE + MBE Certification in Illinois
Are you ready to unlock a world of opportunities? Becoming certified as a women-owned business (WBE) or minority-owned business (MBE) in the State of Illinois is a valuable way to gain access to government contracting + partnership opportunities.
There are many perks of getting certified as a WBE or MBE, the most lucrative of which is set-asides on state contracts. The government wants to do business with more women and minorities. These certifications give them a way to do that.
There is no doubt that a WBE/MBE Certification is an opportunity magnet, especially for smaller businesses. However, the actual process of getting certified can feel complex and daunting. It also requires careful attention to detail and disclosure.
But fear not! In this article, I will provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the WBE/MBE certification process with the State of Illinois.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Choose Your Certification Program
You should first choose the path you are going to take for your certification. Most businesses will go the normal route and apply for full certification. This is usually what I recommend my clients do. However, if you are already certified with a different agency or partnership organization, there may be a different route for you to take.
Here are the main types of applications:
- Full Certification
- Approximate processing time of 60 business days
- Valid for 7 years
- BE Enrolled Business Enterprise Certification Program
- Proof of certification with the City of Chicago or Cook County
- Valid for the length of the reciprocal certification
- Transportation Recognition Certification
- Proof of certification for one of these host agencies: CTA, Metra, PACE, and IDOT
- Approximate processing time of 15 to 30 business days
- Valid for 1 year
- FastTrack Certification
- Proof of certification for one of these partner organizations: Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, Women’s Business Development Center
- Approximate processing time of 7 business days
- Valid for 1 year
Unlike the City of Chicago + Cook County, there is no application fee to apply for certification with the State of Illinois. Your certification will be good for 7 years with a full certification.
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility
Next, make sure you are eligible for that specific certification.
Program Eligibility Requirements:
- Ownership + Control: Have at least 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more minority groups, women, or persons with a disability
- Business Size: Have annual gross sales of less than $150 million
- Citizenship: The owner must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Which minority groups qualify for MBE certification in Illinois?
- American Indiana or Alaska Native
- Asian
- Black or African American
- Hispanic or Latino
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
| Minority Group | Terms Defined in State Law |
|---|---|
| American Indiana or Alaska Native | A person having origins in any of the original people of North and South America, including Central America, and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachments |
| Asian | A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, but not limited to, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Phillippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam |
| Black or African American | A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa |
| Hispanic or Latino | A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands |
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Now it is time to start to gather all of the necessary documentation that will be required to complete your application.
This will typically include proof of ownership and control, including articles of incorporation, operating agreements, or partnership agreements that demonstrate the percentage of ownership and control held by women, minorities, or persons with a disability. You will also need to provide proof of the length of time your business has been in operation, such as business licenses or tax filings.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Application
Once you have gathered all of the necessary documentation, the next step is to complete and submit an application for certification to the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.
The application will ask for basic information about your business, including its name, address, and contact information. It will also ask for more detailed information about the ownership and control of your business, such as the names and addresses of the people who own and control it. You will also start to upload the documentation that you have been gathering.
Once you have submitted your application and all necessary documentation, it will be reviewed and processed by the State. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the workload and backlog of applications. They generally say their processing time is 60 days from the submittal of a complete application.
*Note to my clients + friends: As of June 24, 2024, the online portal was moved from here to here.
Conclusion
Becoming certified as a WBE or MBE in Illinois can open up a wide range of new opportunities and benefits for your business! By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the certification process.
If you need additional help, feel free to schedule a quick call with me, and together, we will navigate the certification process for your business.
Check out our private Facebook Group dedicated to businesses who want to win more government contracts in Illinois.
Wishing you success on your certification journey!
FAQ’s
Yes, a business owned and controlled by women who are also minorities can be certified as both a “women-owned business” and a “minority-owned business.”
It means a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
It means a person having origins in any of the original people of North and South America, including Central America, and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachments.
It means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, but not limited to, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Phillippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
It means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
You can provide a written statement.
No, you can be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.
You can provide U.S. citizenship with a copy of your passport.
