Eligibility: Small Business Certification Program

Learn about eligibility requirements for S/MBE supplier diversity certification

Is your business eligible?

Connecticut's Small Business Program offers 2 types of certifications, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

To be eligible for certification, your business must be CT-based, independently run, and registered as small with the System for Award Management (SAM). Read below for the complete list of requirements.


We offer 2 certification options:

Small Business Enterprise (SBE):

  • Principal place of business located in Connecticut
  • Meets the threshold as a small business:
    • For-profits must be registered for All Awards as a small business in the System for Award Management (SAM).
    • Not-for-profits’ revenue may not exceed $20M in the most recently completed fiscal year.
  • Independent: Viability of the company must not depend upon another person or business regarding the provision of personnel, facilities, equipment, financial support including bonding, and other resources.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE):

  • Meets SBE criteria stated above.
  • At least 51% of the company’s capital stock or assets must be owned by a person(s) who meets the following: 
    • Exercises operational authority over daily affairs of the business, including management and policies
    • Receives the beneficial interest of the business
    • Possesses managerial and technical competence and experience directly related to the principal business activities of the company
    • Has minority status as defined in statute C.G.S. 32-9n, including members of racial or ethnic minorities, women, and persons with disabilities