Frequently Asked Questions

​A minority business enterprise (MBE) is a business that is at least 51% ​owned and controlled by one or more racial or ethnic minority individuals. Racial or ethnic minority group members are African American, Hispanic American, Asian Pacific American, Subcontinent Asian American, or Native American.​

​A women's business enterprise (WBE) is a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women.

​You do not have to be certified as a MBE or a WBE to do business with the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The registration required to bid on state procurement opportunities is a separate process. To register as a vendor, visit the Kentucky Vendor Self Service (VSS) system.

No. You must submit the Out of State Business application and all required documents for review. Approval is not guaranteed. Your application will be reviewed on its individual merits. ​

No. You must submit Streamlined Application for Kentucky DBE certified businesses and all required documents for review. Approval is not guaranteed. Your application will be reviewed on its individual merits.  This is for DBE businesses principally located in Kentucky.​

​​Yes. You must submit the Non-profit application and all required documents for review.  This applies only to Kentucky non-profits.​

​In order to apply, an out-of-state business must be certified by a governmental entity in the state where the principal place of business is located.

If you have questions, contact the Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of EEO and Contract Compliance at (502) 564-2875; for the hearing impaired, please call the Kentucky Relay Service at (800) 648-6056 or 7-1-1. Email inquiri es can be sent to Finance.MWBE@ky.gov.​

No, certification is free.

After a completed application is submitted, the process takes approximately 60 to 90 days. The timeframe is an approximation based on staff resources.​

​​Certifications issued by the Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of EEO and Contract Compliance are valid for three years from the date of issuance.

If there are any changes in ownership, management, control, or, in the case of out-of-state businesses, certification status, the business must immediately notify the Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of EEO and Contract Compliance in writing. The cabinet will determine whether the business remains eligible to participate in the Kentucky MWBE program.