Supplier Diversity Program Certification
Certification Overview
Our new Small/Minority Business Enterprise (S/MBE) certification application, CT Gateway, has launched!
We are excited about this new phase which features a mobile-friendly application with greater accessibility, encouraging more small businesses to get certified and participate in the program.
The Biznet S/MBE application will be permanently closed in tandem with this rollout.
How do I access my account on CT Gateway?
If your company is currently certified or has been in the past, or if you started an application in the past 6 months, your account has been moved to CT Gateway. Visit CT Gateway and click on “Reset Password.” You will receive an email with a password reset link. Set up a new password and log in. If you have not been certified, visit CT Gateway and click on “Register” to create a new account.
I’ve logged in. What now?
On your dashboard, click on SMBE Supplier Diversity Application to access your current application or create a new one. We offered a full training on how to complete your application on CT Gateway. It is available on the CT Gateway login page.
I cannot find my application documents on CT Gateway. Where are they?
The new application is being implemented in 2 stages. The application will be available on Monday, November 18. Historical application documents will be available after stage 2 is complete. You may still upload new documents to CT Gateway so this will not stop you from completing and submitting an application.
Will my current and past certifications be available on CT Gateway?
All certification history will be available on CT Gateway. If your company has ever been certified, your account will automatically be moved to the new system.
Questions?
Our Business Outreach Team is available to help you. See below to learn more about the SMBE Supplier Diversity Program. You may also contact us with questions at DAS-DLSupplierDiversity@ct.gov or 860-713-5236.
Certification Overview
The Supplier Diversity Program certifies Small Business Enterprise and Minority Business Enterprise (S/MBE) companies. Certification opens valuable avenues towards economic growth by helping companies build revenue and find potential new customers through set-asides and inclusion in an online directory used by state and private industry to identify vendors.
To be eligible for this FREE certification, businesses must be CT-based, independently run, and registered as small with the System for Award Management (SAM). MBEs include businesses owned by members of racial or ethnic minorities, women, and persons with disabilities as defined in statute C.G.S. 32-9n.
The Procurement Division’s Business Outreach Team manages the program, working to make a difference for Connecticut’s small and minority-owned companies. The team:
- Certifies Small Business Enterprise and Minority Business Enterprise companies
- Recruits eligible businesses to participate in the certification program through statewide outreach, including virtual and onsite trainings and events
- Provides 1:1 assistance to companies during the certification process
- Introduces businesses to the federal registration system
- Assists certified S/MBEs to identify procurement opportunities in state government
- Measures S/MBE spending by state agencies
All companies certified with the Supplier Diversity Program are listed in the S/MBE Supplier Diversity Directory.
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