What is the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) certification?

A Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) is a business certified by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).  Businesses with CBE certification receive preferred procurement and contracting opportunities. 

What are the main qualifications for the CBE Program?

In addition to other requirements, in order to qualify for CBE certification, the principal office of the business enterprise must be located in the District of Columbia. The principal office is defined as the physical business location where the persons who control the business's day-to-day operations spend most working hours and where the books and records of the company are maintained.   The chief executive officer and highest level managerial employees of the business must maintain their offices and perform their managerial functions in the principal office location. Site visits are conducted to verify principal office location.

Why should a business apply for CBE certification?

The CBE Program provides contracting preferences for local businesses, increasing their competitiveness for District Government contracting and procurement opportunities.  Specifically:

• CBEs may receive up to a twelve (12) percent effective price reduction or twelve (12) preference points, depending on the procurement; and,
• District agencies must spend 50% of their expendable budgets with certified Small Business Enterprises (CSBEs- a type of CBE).  

How long does the CBE certification process take?

DSLBD makes certification decisions within 45 days of receipt of a complete application.  If your application is denied, the process will take longer. 

What is the CBE certification process?    

1. Attend Pre-Certification Orientation (not applicable for recertification, upgrade, and joint venture certification);
2. Begin online CBE Application and gather required documents from Required Documents Checklist;
3. Schedule One-on-One Consultation by signing up for a ‘One on One Application Consultation’, and immediately submit complete online application at 'CBE Application Online’;
4. Wait to receive final appointment confirmation from a Certification Specialist;
5. Attend One-on-Consultation, and bring all checklist documents for submission to DSLBD; and,
6. DSLBD review and determination

Returning Users - select Log In and enter your username and password.

How does a business start the CBE certification process?

Click the 'Register' button below to register your business with the CBE Business Center.  Follow the post-registration instructions to continue the CBE certification process.

The application checklist items for Certification, Recertification, and Upgrade CBE applications must be submitted to DSLBD by scheduling a one-on-one consultation.  DSLBD no longer accepts application documents without an appointment.  CBE applicants have ten (10) business days, from the date the CBE online application is submitted, to submit their supporting documents in a one-on-one consultation.  Deficient packages are not accepted by the Department. 

Please follow this link to schedule your consultation: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/Conferences.action?CenterID=71. Please contact DSLBD at dslbd@dc.gov with any questions.

How can I get additional information about CBE and Joint Venture Certification?

• Review CBE certification Frequently Asked Questions; and,
• Contact DSLBD at dslbd@dc.gov