HCOBO provides guidance on how to become certified so your business can be in the mix for County, local, state, federal, and private-sector opportunities. New Jersey Minority, Women, Small Business, Veteran and Disabled Veteran business certifications are valid for 3 years. Once you attain certification, you must submit an annual verification statement each year.

To apply for NJ MBE, WBE, SBE, VOB or DVOB certification, you must go to https://www.njportal.com/DOR/SBERegistry/ and create a login account. 

Here is some of the information – and documents – you will need for the certification application process:

• Registered business name
• Address of principal place of business
• Federal Tax Identification Number
• The firm’s date and method of acquisition
• Information on all principals
• Total gross sales receipts for the last 3 years
• Applicable industry codes
• Articles of incorporation, corporation by-laws, certificate of formation, partnership agreements and joint venture agreements
• The firm’s federal and state tax returns for the past three years
• Most current income statements and balance sheets
• Resumes of all principals, partners, officers, and/or key employees
• If applicable, copies of office lease/rental agreements, deeds, property tax or mortgage statement
• Proof of ethnicity or gender for majority owners 
• Listing and copies of bank signature cards
• Listing of any previously attained certification
• Notarized verification statement

The HCOBO staff will be glad to answer your questions and advise you of the steps in attaining certification.