What is an MBE/WBE?

An MBE is

• At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged
• Managed by has daily business operations controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it

A WBE is

• Owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women who have 51% ownership and day-to-day operational and managerial control, interest in capital, and risk and earnings commensurate with their percentage of ownership

What is the MBE/WBE program?

State program: Current regulations require agencies to make every effort to achieve an overall minimum goal of 29% of the total dollar value of their procurement contracts directly or indirectly from certified MBE firms. Find out more from the Governor's Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs.

City program: City Schools has an aspirational goal of achieving at least 27% and 10% of the total dollar value of all contracts through direct or indirect procurement contracts with Baltimore City–certified MBEs and WBEs, respectively. Fine out more from the city's Minority and Women's Business Opportunity Office. 

How can I become certified as an MBE or WBE?

Below is a summary of the process, but those interested in becoming certified should contact the state or city for more information.

State MBE program:

• Applicant submits an application and supporting documentation
• Investigator reviews the submitted materials, conducts a site visit, and prepares a report
• MBE Advisory Committee reviews the report to evaluate whether the applicant meets program requirements 
• Committee chair issues a written determination

City M/WBE program:

• Applicant submits an application and supporting documentation
• Submitted materials are evaluated and a determination is made

How does City Schools set MBE and WBE goals for each project?

The overall MBE/WBE goal and subgoals (if applicable) are set by considering factors including

• The extent to which the work to be performed can reasonably be segmented to allow for MBEs/WBEs to participate
• Determination of the number of certified MBEs/WBEs that potentially could perform the work
• Geographic location of the identified certified MBEs/WBEs
• Information obtained from other school systems or city agencies related to establishing a MBE/WBE goal or subgoals for similar projects
• Any other activities or information that may be identified as useful and productive