Document Checklist: What You Need When Applying for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification

To ensure your business is fully prepared for the certification application process, it’s important to gather and organize key documentation. Below is a numbered list of the required materials, categorized for clarity and ease of use.

1. Ownership Documentation

• Resumes for all individuals with an ownership interest in the business.

2. Banking Information

• Bank letters that include:
  • Account numbers
  • Authorized signers on the account
  • Limitations to any signer’s authority

3. Tax Documentation

• Signed federal, state, and city tax returns for the most recent tax year, including all schedules.

4. Proof of Legal Status

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident alien status for each business owner.

5. Licenses and Permits

• Copies of all valid business licenses and permits.

6. Business Location Documentation

• Lease agreements or proof of ownership for each business location.
• Leases must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of application.

7. Contracts and Payment History

• Signed contracts and invoices for services performed within New York City over the past year.
• Proof of payment must be included.

8. Minority Status Verification

• Documentation verifying minority group status for each owner claiming minority status.

9. Business Start Details

• Records showing how the business was initially capitalized.

10. Out-of-State Incorporation

• Certificate of Authority issued by the New York State Secretary of State for businesses incorporated outside New York.

11. Structure-Specific Requirements

11.1 Sole Proprietors

• Business Certificate filed with the County Clerk (if operating under a DBA name).

11.2 Partnerships

• Partnership agreement
• Business certificate filed with the County Clerk

11.3 Limited Partnerships (LPs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

• Partnership agreement
• State filing receipt, including any amended receipts

11.4 Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

• LLC Organizational Agreement
• LLC Articles of Organization
• State filing receipt, including any amended receipts
• Membership certificates (front and back)
• Next un-issued membership certificate

11.5 Corporations

• Articles of Incorporation
• Corporate bylaws
• State filing receipt, including any amended receipts
• Stock certificates (front and back)
• Next un-issued stock certificate

11.6 DBA / Trade Name Entities

• Certificate of Assumed Name filed with the County Clerk