Latest Facts and News
- On January 1, 2024, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) launched the Georgia Business Certification Program, following the signing of House Bill 128 by Governor Brian P. Kemp on April 24, 2023.
- Georgia ranks eighth nationally for women-owned business growth, with women owning 47.7% of all firms in the state. The state also maintains a lower-than-average gender pay gap, with women earning 82.4% of what men earn.
Georgia is emerging as one of the rapidly growing states regarding minority-owned businesses. However, real opportunities often need more than a mere strong business plan. For instance, if you are a woman entrepreneur who qualifies as a minority business owner, such certification could become the key that unlocks the doors toward government contracts, corporate relations, and state-wide commercial networks.
This blog entry details the Georgia minority woman-owned small business certification, what it is and who qualifies, and how to apply so that one may decide if this is the step toward business growth and strategy.
Understanding Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business Certification
The Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business Certification (MWBE certification) is a designation that recognizes businesses owned and operated by minority women. This certification is issued by the state of Georgia to help these businesses gain access to exclusive opportunities, Minority-owned business resources, and contracts that are set aside specifically for minority-owned enterprises.
It serves as a powerful tool to level the playing field, ensuring that women of color have equal access to the economic benefits and contracts available in Georgia’s business landscape.
Why is MWBE Certification Important?
For minority women in business, obtaining the Georgia business certification can significantly enhance credibility and visibility. It provides recognition to your business as a qualified, diverse entity, allowing you to compete for government contracts, supplier diversity programs, and other targeted resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
How does it Benefit Your Business?
The Georgia MWBE certification has several benefits for businesses, including:
- Greater Access to Contracts: The majority of state and local government contracts, as well as corporate partnerships, are specifically reserved for minority women-owned companies.
- Networking and Mentorship: Certified companies are regularly invited to special conferences and events, which are good sources of networking and mentorship.
- Competitive Advantage: Maintaining a certification sends a signal to potential buyers and partners that your business complies with substantive diversity requirements and can give you a competitive advantage.
When your company is MWBE certified, it gains a powerful growth tool. It allows your company to leverage numerous opportunities in Georgia’s diverse and expanding marketplace.
Eligibility Requirements for Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business Certification
In order to qualify for the Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business Certification, companies must satisfy the state and federal legal requirements.
Below are the key eligibility standards and certification criteria that businesses must satisfy to apply:
- Ownership by Minority Women: The business must be at least 51% owned by a woman who is a U.S. citizen and belongs to a minority group, including African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
- Control and Management: The minority woman owner should actively participate in the day-to-day business and decision-making of the company. She should be in a position of control of the company and also be responsible for the overall management of the business.
- Legal Structure: The business must be a for-profit entity and can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.
- Operational History: The company should have been operational for at least one year, demonstrating its capability to operate and stay in development.
- Location: The company must be headquartered in Georgia and conduct operations in the state.
- Financial and Revenue Standards: If applying for a certification type that includes being a small business, the business must meet Georgia’s definition of a small business, which is independently owned and operated with:
- Tier One: 10 or fewer employees or $1 million or less in gross receipts per year.
- Tier Two: 100 or fewer employees or $10 million or less in gross receipts per year.
- Tier Three: 300 or fewer employees or $30 million or less in gross receipts per year.
Required Documentation
When applying for the Georgia minority woman-owned small business certification, you’ll need to provide several important documents to prove your eligibility. These documents will help demonstrate ownership, control, and other important factors of your business.
Here’s a list of the documentation requirements:
- Proof of Ownership: Official documents showing that the minority woman owns at least 51% of the business (e.g., business registration documents).
- Financial Statements: Recent financial statements, including tax returns and balance sheets, to verify the size and financial health of your business.
- Resumes of Owners: A detailed resume for the business owner(s), showing experience and involvement in the business.
- Business Tax Returns: Tax filings for the past 3 years to demonstrate financial stability and business history.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Documents verifying the business owner is a U.S. citizen and belongs to a recognized minority group.
- Operating Agreements: For LLCs or partnerships, a copy of the operating agreement or partnership agreement to show control and management responsibilities.
The Application Process for Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business CertificationBefore applying, make sure you’ve reviewed all eligibility requirements and gathered the necessary documentation. Once you’re ready, follow these steps: |
| Step 1: Register in Team Georgia Marketplace™
Create a business profile in the Team Georgia Marketplace™ registration system. During this process, you’ll receive a Bidder/Supplier ID, which you’ll need for your Women-owned business certification application. Step 2 : Submit Your Application Online: Note: There is no fee to apply. Step 3 : Await Review and Decision Step 4 : Stay Certified |
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
To keep your Georgia minority woman-owned small business certification active, you will need to maintain and renew it regularly. Here’s what to know:
- Annual Review: You must complete an annual review to ensure that your business still meets all eligibility requirements.
- Recertification Process: Certification is typically valid for one year, after which you must submit an updated application and supporting documents for recertification.
- Ongoing Requirements: Throughout the year, you must keep your business information updated, including ownership details, revenue, and operations.
Additional Resources for Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Businesses
If you’re a certified minority woman-owned business, several resources can help you grow:
- Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC): Offers resources, networking, and certification support.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides funding, training, and guidance for small business owners.
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Offers business support services and helps connect you with Small business contracting opportunities.
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): A nationally recognized certifier of women-owned businesses, accepted by Georgia DOAS and helpful for accessing state-level certification and supplier networks.
Other Certification Opportunities Worth ExploringIf your business is involved in transportation-related services or infrastructure, consider applying for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification. Administered in Georgia by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the DBE program is a federally recognized designation that helps minority- and woman-owned businesses access federally funded projects particularly in construction, engineering, and related fields. While it’s separate from the Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business Certification, the DBE program complements it by expanding your reach into federal-level contracting opportunities. |
Also Read → Small Business Alliance: Driving Growth and Success for Entrepreneurs
Make the Most of Your Certification with the Right Guidance →
Earning your Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business Certification is more than recognition; it’s a gateway to new opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams. But with growth comes complexity. From managing increased cash flow to preparing for long-term business transitions, the decisions you make post-certification can shape your future.
As certification opens new doors, having expert advisors by your side can help you proceed to the next phase with clarity and confidence. SWAT Advisors offers strategic support to help certified business owners:
- Create personalized tax strategies to manage new income sources and minimize liabilities.
- Plan for business continuity and succession, ensuring your enterprise remains strong across generations or ownership changes.
- Implement CFO-level financial systems that give you clear insight into your business as it scales.
- As your revenue increases, protect what you’ve built through estate planning, insurance strategies, and long-term retirement solutions that support your personal and business goals.
Certification opens the door. SWAT Advisors helps you walk through it with a plan, so every opportunity leads to something lasting.
FAQ's
State certification, such as the Georgia Minority Woman-Owned Small Business Certification, is awarded by the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) and assists companies in competing for state-level contracts and procurement.
Federal certification, for example, through the WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) program under the SBA, is specifically for federal government contract access. All programs have different eligibility requirements, application processes, and benefits based on where and how you intend to expand your business.
Processing time may differ, but after all the necessary documents are received, the Georgia DOAS usually processes applications within 30 to 45 business days. Incomplete or erroneous submissions can lead to delays, so it’s best to double-check that everything is correct and complete when submitting.
Yes. Home-based businesses qualify as long as they qualify under the certification criteria, namely, majority ownership (51% or more) by a minority woman, and control and day-to-day operation of the business. Documentation of operations, e.g., business licensure, income records, or utility bills, may be necessary.
No industries are excluded from usage. Some contracting opportunities, though, will only be open to companies in specially designated industries or with certain expertise. Certification does exist for every eligible company, but the nature and extent of the contracts you would be eligible to bid on are determined by NAICS code, experience, and the services that you offer.
After being certified, businesses can access procurement opportunities through the Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR). You may also receive notifications from DOAS or other state agencies. Networking in supplier diversity programs is also useful. participate in procurement events and list on local government and private vendor portals to become more visible.
