Establishing a Successful Minority or Woman-Owned Business in New York
The state of New York values diversity among business owners. Certified minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) can take advantage of a wide range of resources, contract opportunities, and development assistance. Not just any business owner will qualify for this certification, however. You must submit several documents to support your application.
At Lawyer for Business, we can assist you with the application process, from start to finish. Our attorney, Andrea A. Tarshus, has advised businesses throughout the Buffalo-Niagara area on a full range of corporate law issues. She understands how to help businesses grow and thrive, from a new startup to everyday operations.
Our firm helps New York minority and women-owned businesses understand the benefits that come with minority and women-owned business certification. We guide you through the complex application process of W/MBE certification and offer assistance with certification for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SDBE).
How Lawyer for Business Can Help You with WBE & MBE Certification
Lawyer for Business assists minority and female business owners in completing the application process and maintaining certification in minority-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged, and small disadvantaged business enterprises.
The application process for achieving minority or women-owned business certifications in New York state can be complex. Irregularities or errors in paperwork and documentation can cause your application to be denied, as can aspects of your business structure.
Services we offer to women and minority-owned businesses include:
- Explaining certification requirements for WBE and MBE in New York state
- Identifying the certifying agency through which your business needs to apply
- Documenting the required management structure and business ownership
- Completing application and document review before submission
- Helping respond to feedback or requests from certifying agency
- Offering support with denied certification and appeals process
The Lawyer for Business legal services aim to streamline the application process, ensuring that your application is complete and correct without straining your resources, adding to your current workload, or causing delays or frustrations.
Who Qualifies for Minority or Woman-Owned Business?
Certification for minority and women-owned businesses varies by state. Below, you’ll find the New York state eligibility criteria for minority-owned and women-owned small business enterprises.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Eligibility Criteria
Minority-owned businesses in New York state must meet the following eligibility requirements to gain NY MBE certification:
- For-profit business
- Business is based in the U.S.
- At least 51% percent minority-owned and operated
- Owner/operator oversees daily operations
- Applicants are either U.S. citizens or green card holders
For the purposes of MBE certification, the term “minority” applies to individuals whose ethnic origins are:
- Black or African American
- Hispanic
- Native American
- Asian Pacific
- Asian-Indian
In order to meet the criteria for MBE eligibility, a business must not have over 300 employees, must function independently from other firms, and the owner may not have over $15 million in personal net worth.
Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Eligibility Criteria
Women-owned businesses in New York seeking WBE certification are subject to nearly the same requirements as minority-owned businesses. WBE certification requires:
- For-profit business structure
- U.S.-based business
- 51% owned by either a woman or a group of women
- Any governing board is composed of a majority of women
- The top executive overseeing daily operations is a woman
- The owner is a legal citizen or resident
Women-owned businesses are also subject to the same personal eligibility criteria as minority-owned businesses. A business eligible for MBE certification must have no more than 300 employees and operate independently, and the owners cannot have more than $15 million in personal net worth.
Don’t go it alone — let Lawyer for Business help with your New York state MWBE certification application.
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The WBE & MBE Certification Process
Lawyer for Business works closely with minority and women-owned businesses to streamline the M/WBE certification. We offer support, guidance, and feedback at each step of the certification process.
Trust Your WBE & MBE Certification Process to Lawyer for Business
A New York WBE or MBE certification can help give your business a significant edge against your competitors. WMBE provides resources and business opportunities that don’t always exist for minority and women-owned businesses lacking formal certification.
If your business qualifies for WBE or MBE and you aren’t yet certified, you’re likely losing out on customer and contract opportunities that can help your business and revenue growth.
At Lawyer for Business, we understand that business owners have many responsibilities and don’t always have the time and resources to take on the challenge of research and completing the application process for additional certifications.
There are numerous benefits of working with a lawyer for business. We have:
- Availability for clients throughout New York state
- Experience working with all business sizes and structures
- Access to valuable network connections
- Knowledge about minority and women-owned business concerns
- Flat-fee packages to help you avoid unexpected legal fees
Our legal team is here to help you efficiently optimize your business practices without excess stress or time commitment. We streamline the certification process so that your application and supporting documentation are completed effectively and correctly. Our knowledge and experience save you time and effort that can be better spent attending to your business operations and long-term plans.
Start the WMBE Certification Process Today!
The legal team at Lawyer for Business strives to offer minority and women-owned small business owners informed support. We lighten your workload while keeping you informed about the steps we’re taking to help you optimize your business.
Lawyer for Business understands that minority and women-owned businesses are as unique as the individuals that run them. We take the time to get to know you and understand your business needs so we can provide personalized care tailored to help you achieve your business goals.
Get in touch with Lawyer for Business today to learn more about how we can help you successfully achieve WMBE certification.
Step 1: Eligibility Analysis
During your eligibility analysis, we’ll learn about your business and offer feedback on which certification path is best for your business structure.
We’ll review the different types of possible certifications available to you (WBE, MBE, DBE, SDBE), and you’ll need to answer questions about your business.
We’ll inquire about your business structure, identify issues that may hinder eligibility, and provide feedback on what steps you should take next.
Step 2: Professional Application Preparation Services
We offer minority and women-owned small businesses full-spectrum professional support with MBE and WBE application preparation.
We assist you in identifying the correct certifying agency for your business needs, offer support in completing the certification application, and help you identify and collect the documentation required for your application.
We’ll also advise you on whether any business changes should be made to ensure your application is approved.
Step 3: Post-Certification Services
Our firm helps with a wide variety of post-certification services. Legal services we offer include:
- Business contract drafting and negotiation
- General council services
- Trademark registration
- Confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Letters of intent (LOIs)
- Employment, consulting, and independent contractor agreements
- Leasing agreements
The needs of minority and women-owned businesses don’t end with a successful M/WBE application. Our New York business lawyers can help you cover your legal bases in all areas of your business.
Once you are certified, you may need to recertify or update your status in the future. We can help you with this, as well, to make sure you do not jeopardize your certification.
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What If the Application Was Denied?
If your application was denied, we can assist you with the appeal process. This will entail a comprehensive review of your application and supporting documentation. We will work with you to develop a strategy to overcome your denial and resolve outstanding issues with your application materials. While not every decision can be appealed, we will review the specifics of your case and advocate for you.
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