The MBE program was intended to encourage minority owned firms to participate in the state's competitive procurement process.  Statutory provisions were designed and enacted to increase  the opportunities for minority owned businesses to sell their goods and services to the State of Wisconsin.

2.   What is a Minority Business?

A minority business is a “sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or corporation that” is: (a) At least 51% owned, controlled and actively managed by a minority group or members of a minority group and (b) Performing a useful business function.  Wisconsin Statutes § 16.287(1)(e).

3.     Is a women considered a minority in the State of Wisconsin?

For the purposes of the MBE program Wisconsin law does not recognize a woman as a minority.

4.  Who is a minority?

For the purposes of the MBE program a minority is defined as a member of one of the following groups: (a) A Black, (b) A Hispanic, (c) An American Indian, (d) An Eskimo, (e) An Aleut, (f) A native Hawaiian, (g) An Asian-Indian or (h) A person of Asian-Pacific origin.  Wis. Stats. § 16.287(1)(f).

5.    How can my business participate in the MBE program?

The certification process begins with the completion of an on-line “Certification Application”.  For additional information please visit the MBE Certification Program website at or contact the Department of Administration at 608-261-2510.

6.    What is Certification?

Certification is a licensing procedure to ensure that businesses claiming to be minority owned and controlled are bona fide.  Eligibility criteria for the Minority Business Certification Program is located in Chapter 84 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code,.  Chapter Adm. 84.  (pdf).

7.    How long does the certification process take?

Provided all of the required documents are received, reviewed and approved a representative from the Department of Administration Office may contact you within ten business days to   schedule an on-site visit. A successful on-site visit is a pre-requisite to final certification approval.

8.   Once my business is certified will I be assured of getting contracts or sub-contracts?

No, certification does not guarantee that your business will be awarded a contract or sub-contract but it does enhance their exposure to state agencies and prime contractors.  Certified MBE firms are strongly encouraged to market itself, its goods and services, personnel and their experience.

9.    What are the advantages of certification?

The names of all certified MBE firms appear in the State of Wisconsin's on-line Directory of Minority Owned Businesses. The on-line directory is widely used by State and local government procurement personnel and agencies to directly solicit MBE firms to bid on and participate in government contracts.

MBE firms are also eligible to receive technical and marketing assistance including participation in Marketplace, Wisconsin's statewide minority business marketing conference sponsored by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Certification will expose your business to work opportunities on State and local government projects and prime vendors seeking to sub-contract with MBE vendors. State MBE certification is accepted by many local and out-of-state government agencies in support of their minority business inclusion efforts.

10. What is VendorNet?

Vendornet is the State of Wisconsin’s “internet based bidding and purchasing information system”.  The The VendorNet system provides information on Wisconsin’s Procurement Rules, purchasing policies and practices, tips on selling goods and services to the State of Wisconsin and its agencies and information on current, pending and future procurement opportunities.  Vendors must complete the free registration process prior to accessing the system. http://vendornet.state.wi.us.