Minority/Women/Emerging Small Business

with the State of Oregon

What is M/W/ESB:

"The Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business (OMWESB) administers the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification programs. These programs are designed to promote economic opportunities for small businesses."¹

The OMWESB is the only certification authority in Oregon.  This enables agencies to have one reliable resource for contracting Oregon disadvantaged, minority- and woman-owned and emerging small businesses.

"Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications are for firms seeking contracting opportunities with state, county, city and special jurisdictions. Some of the jurisdictions include the city of Portland, Multnomah County, METRO and the Portland Development Commission (PDC). The eligibility criteria is based on Oregon Administrative Rule 445-050-0030."²

Ownership and Control

Majority ownership is just one eligibility requirement for these certifications.

»A minority or woman must own at least 51 percent of the business. Recognized minority groups for MBE certification include: Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian Pacific American, Subcontinent Asian American or a Woman

»The minority or woman owner must have independent, managerial and operational control of the business which includes experience and training in the primary area of work for the business (e.g., excavating, paving).

»If the state of Oregon requires individual licensing in the business' primary area of work, the minority or woman owner must hold or have previously held the license (e.g., electrician, plumber, landscaper, truck driver, engineer, architect).”

Epic has met these requirements and has been certified by the OMWESB since 2008.