Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Certification Form for Businesses Already Certified through HUB

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Certified Minority or Woman Business Enterprise (MWBE) with the City of Asheville.

This application form is only for businesses already certified through the State of North Carolina’s Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Office. If you are not certified through HUB, please go back and complete the regular MWBE Certification Form.

Please complete this application in full. In order for us to process your application, you must submit all supporting and required documentation. The City of Asheville reserves the right to request additional information as needed to verify eligibility. A copy of your completed application will be emailed to you after you submit it, please keep that copy for your records. Please contact the Asheville Business Inclusion (ABI) Office if you have any questions or need assistance completing this form.

Note: Please be prepared to complete this application process in one session as you will not be able to save and continue later.

To start, be sure you are registered as a vendor with the City. To register, click below.

Click here for registration instructions

How to register as a Vendor for The City of Asheville

Items You Will Need:

Completed W-9
Your NIGP Code(s)
Depending on your business structure, you may need your Social Security Number or EIN (FID)
***The information on this form needs to match the information on your W-9

We highly encourage you to have your completed W-9 and your certification copy to upload; additionally, have your identification number and NIGP Code ready to be inputted into the application.

Application Submission Steps:

Visit the Vendor Registry Page and follow the applicable instructions.
Inside the Form Choose One Below:
- New vendor if you have never been a vendor for the City; or
- Existing vendor updating my information if you are already a vendor for the City of Asheville
Helpful notes:
- Under Identification, choose SSN or FID
- 1099 Information From W-9--- CLICK YES
- Input your NGIP Code(s)
- Under General Contact Information, Accounts Payable Contact Information, and Purchasing Contact Information, you can list yourself unless you have someone else doing those things for you.
- Is the business an MWBE (Minority and women-owned business enterprise) -- If applicable, CLICK YES
  - If yes, choose the Type of MWBE
- Minority-Owned Business Certified? If applicable, CLICK YES
  - If yes, submit certification documents
- Once your W9 has been uploaded, click Submit in the bottom right of the page.

Other (Non-City of Asheville) Certifications:

There are several Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) certifications that the City of Asheville recognizes. Here are the links:

Please return to this MWBE Certfication Application after you have registered as a vendor.

QUESTIONS?

About the Vendor Registration: vss_@ashevillenc.gov

About MWBE Certifications: abi@ashevillenc.gov

END of vendor registration instructions. Continue to apply for the MWBE Certfication.

How to register as a Vendor for The City of Asheville

Items You Will Need:

Completed W-9
Your NIGP Code(s)
Depending on your business structure, you may need your Social Security Number or EIN (FID)
***The information on this form needs to match the information on your W-9

We highly encourage you to have your completed W-9 and your certification copy to upload; additionally, have your identification number and NIGP Code ready to be inputted into the application.

Application Submission Steps:

Visit the Vendor Registry Page and follow the applicable instructions.
Inside the Form Choose One Below:
- New vendor if you have never been a vendor for the City; or
- Existing vendor updating my information if you are already a vendor for the City of Asheville
Helpful notes:
- Under Identification, choose SSN or FID
- 1099 Information From W-9--- CLICK YES
- Input your NGIP Code(s)
- Under General Contact Information, Accounts Payable Contact Information, and Purchasing Contact Information, you can list yourself unless you have someone else doing those things for you.
- Is the business an MWBE (Minority and women-owned business enterprise) -- If applicable, CLICK YES
  - If yes, choose the Type of MWBE
- Minority-Owned Business Certified? If applicable, CLICK YES
  - If yes, submit certification documents
- Once your W9 has been uploaded, click Submit in the bottom right of the page.

Other (Non-City of Asheville) Certifications:

There are several Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) certifications that the City of Asheville recognizes. Here are the links:

Please return to this MWBE Certfication Application after you have registered as a vendor.

QUESTIONS?

About the Vendor Application: purchasing@ashevillenc.gov

About Certifications: abi@ashevillenc.gov

END of vendor registration instructions. Continue to apply for the MWBE Certfication.

Please note that you may apply for either MBE or WBE certification ; you may not apply to be both an MBE and a WBE. If you are a business 51% or more owned by a woman who is a member of a minority group, you must apply as an MBE due to the State of North Carolina’s requirements and definitions of these categories.

Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Certification Form for Businesses Already Certified through HUB

Definitions

“Asheville Relevant Market Area” means the Asheville regional area based on the most recent disparity study. Through November 1, 2023, this includes Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, McDowell, Yancey and Madison counties. Mecklenburg County is included only for professional services (Architect, Engineer, Surveyor, and Construction Manager at Risk) only.

“Significant Business Presence” means the business enterprise is headquartered in the Asheville Regional Area, where at least 25% of its total employees are regularly based, and where the business enterprise conducts its functions. A location used only as a post office box, mail drop or message center, or any combination along those lines is not considered a Significant Business Presence.

Eligibility for MWBE Certification

To be eligible for MWBE Certification, your business must meet the following requirements. Click "yes" next to each item if it applies to your business:

Are you a registered vendor with the City of Asheville?

Yes

Look up your Vendor number here. Please give the vendor lookup tool a minute to load.

Please enter your vendor number here if you have it: If you do not have your vendor number, you may skip this question.

Please register as a vendor before continuing with this application.

Return to the first page of this form for instructions, or complete the Vendor Registration Form here.

Is your business currently certified as a Minority or Woman Business Enterprise under the State of North Carolina's Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Office?

Yes

Please upload your certification document here:

Click Here to Upload

Please complete the regular MWBE Certification Form instead.

Does your business or institution have a Significant Business Presence* in the Asheville Relevant Market Area*?

Yes

Based on this answer, we will need further information. Please reach out in the next 48 hours via email to abi@ashevillenc.gov. Please continue filling out this application.

Business Name:

Additional Information

Are you interested in taking advantage of any training opportunities with the City of Asheville or other local business development organizations, such as applying for licenses, learning how to prepare a bid, financial training, marketing training, etc?

Yes

Please list any other types of training you would be interested in:

Are you interested in learning more about local loan and collateral pools for small business owners offered by local organizations?

Yes

Do we have your permission to keep you informed of upcoming opportunities by adding your email to the Asheville Business Inclusion Office's newsletter contact list? You are free to unsubscribe from this newsletter at any time.

Yes

Enter your email address where copies of the form and legal agreement should be sent.

SIGNATURE OF MAJORITY OWNER

ABI CERTIFICATION AGREEMENT

First Name

Last Name

Choose how to sign

Draw Type

As a duly authorized representative of the Business Enterprise, I acknowledge that all information provided within the Asheville Business Inclusion Certification forms is true and correct. I acknowledge and agree to abide by all aspects of the City of Asheville Business Inclusion Contracting Policy. I acknowledge and understand that by being certified with the City of Asheville that I am not an employee of the City of Asheville. I understand that when I and my Business receive Asheville Business Inclusion Certification I will not be receiving compensation and I will not be an employee, agent, or representative of the City of Asheville. I am not entitled to any benefits of any kind, including unemployment, workersâ compensation, or retirement benefits. If I or my business is awarded a contract it would be as an independent contractor. I acknowledge and understand that by being certified with the City of Asheville Business Inclusion Office, that I am not guaranteed a contract award. I acknowledge and understand that Business Enterprise will need to participate within the competitive bidding procedures administered by the City in order to be considered for contract award. By becoming certified with the City of Asheville I acknowledge and agree that the City of Asheville reserves the right to audit the management structure of Business Enterprise, with written notice from the City. I agree to allow the City of Asheville to provide Business Enterpriseâs information to vendors for potential contracting opportunities, but understand that the City of Asheville will not be responsible for facilitating contact. I further agree to hold the City of Asheville harmless for any claims, damages, or actions that may arise from participation in the Asheville Business Inclusion Program. I agree by signing this ABI Certification Agreement, not to hold the City of Asheville, its officers, employees, and agents liable, and the City does not bear any liability, for any claims arising out of or resulting from Participation within the Asheville Business Inclusion Program. I understand that signing this Certification Agreement is a condition of my participation in the Program. I acknowledge and understand that the City has the right to revoke my certification for violations of the ABI Policy. I have carefully read this Agreement and fully understand its contents.