Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Program

What is a HUB?

HUB stands for Historically Underutilized Business. The State of North Carolina defines that as a business where 51 percent of the business is owned by, and the daily management and business operations are controlled by, one of the following:

All businesses that seek to qualify as a HUB must be certified through the Statewide Uniform Certification Program administered by the N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses. A business wishing to become HUB certified may apply free of charge to the N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses. HUB vendors must identify themselves as such on GCS Vendor Application form and forward a copy of the certification to the Purchasing Department. 

Who is considered a minority?

 The term “minority person”, as defined in North Carolina G.S. 143-128, means an individual who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and who is Asian American, Black, Female, Hispanic, Native American, disabled or socially disadvantaged. The term "socially and economically disadvantaged individual" is defined in 15 U.S.C. 637.

"Minority businesses" are defined in North Carolina General Statutes 143-128 as businesses in which at least 51% percent ownership is held by one or more minority persons or by individuals defined as socially and economically disadvantaged. 

The U.S. government defines “socially and economically disadvantaged” individuals under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637) as follows:

Senate Bill 914  

Senate Bill 914 was enacted by the State Legislature to encourage the use of good faith efforts by all state universities and public entities in the recruitment and selection of minority firms to reach a 10% minimum participation level on public sector construction projects. 

• Black, Hispanic, Asian American or American Indian
• Female
• Socially and Economically Disadvantaged
• Disabled
• Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity as a member of a group without regard to their individual qualities.
• Economically disadvantaged individuals are those socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same business area who are not socially disadvantaged. In determining the degree of diminished credit and capital opportunities the Administration shall consider, but not be limited to, the assets and net worth of such socially disadvantaged individual.

Get Certified and Expand Business Opportunities!

To become certified by the state as a minority-owned (MBE), woman-owned business (WBE) or disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), please see the following certification requirements.

Who is eligible for MWBE Certification?

The business is at least 51% owned and operated on a daily basis by a woman or minority, which includes socially and economically disadvantaged individuals according to North Carolina General Statute 143-128.

Certification Requirements

1. Complete the detailed application process with the:

• N.C. Department of Transportation - MBE and WBE Certification
• N.C. Department of Administration - N.C. Statewide Uniform Certification for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) or the N.C. Small Business Enterprise Program (NCSBE)
• N.C. Department of Transportation - N.C. Certification for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)
   

2. Provide sufficient documentation per the requirements for each certification.

Benefits of HUB Certification

Vendors who acquire HUB Certification increase exposure to business opportunities in state procurement and contracting. HUB-certified firms are listed on the state's HUB Vendor Link System, which is used by local and state agencies, governments and institutions and the public to locate historically underutilized businesses for goods, services and construction. Additionally, HUB-certified firms for goods and services who register with Guilford County Schools (GCS) are included in the MWBE Vendor Minibase, a new resource designed as an easy access point for GCS schools, departments and central offices. Another advantage of HUB certification is the access to a variety of workshops, training sessions and mentorship programs. Connecting with professionals in the business industry helps firms learn perks of the trade while avoiding some of the issues small businesses often experience.

MBWE Policies and Procedures

Guilford County Schools implements the Board policies and procedures below to ensure responsible business practices. Learn more about the prequalification process, the application, assessments, and other criteria required for the submission of bids.

Board Policy 9115 (Formerly FB) Prequalification of Bidders for Construction Projects 

Board Policy 9125 (Formerly DK) Participation by Women and Minority Owned Businesses

Board Regulation 9125-R (Formerly DK-P) Participation by Women and Minority Owned Businesses

MWBE Forms

The following MWBE Forms contains information regarding the MWBE criteria required for the bid submission process, which includes Affidavit A. The full requirements for each bid opportunity will be listed in the Request for Proposal (RFP). See GCS Bond Projects and Miscellaneous Bid Solicitations.

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