about the program

The Diversity Certified program will support eligible minority-owned businesses in their pathway to become certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) or Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), increasing their likelihood for contract success. The program covers the costs of technical application assistance and certification. Supported by a grant from the City of Las Vegas, this program will remain open until September 2024 or until all allotted spots have been filled.

The Diversity Certified program is supported by American Rescue Plan Funds as granted by the City of Las Vegas.

The American Rescue Plan Logo Funds

Eligibility

Eligibility

Be 51% owned by ethnic minority individual(s)
Be headquartered in Southern Nevada
Be able to perform work in the City of Las Vegas
Hold all proper professional licenses, permits and be in good standing with the state of NV
Have 50 or less employees
Be independently owned and operated with full control of its operation
Have experienced a negative economic impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
Be owned by U.S. Citizen(s)*/** or Legal Resident(s)*
Report gross sales that do not exceed $1,000,000 in the previous calendar year
Have the ability to provide financial statements (2* or 3** Years of Tax Documents, Profit & Loss, balance sheet)
Provide business occupancy documentation (proof of ownership and/or lease)

* MBE Certification
** DBE Certification Only

PROGRAM NOW CLOSED

We are excited to announce that we have met the allowable maximum number of applications under this grant for the Diversity Certified program, which is scheduled to conclude on November 15, 2024. As a result, we can no longer accept new applications. We would like to thank our outreach and certification partners for their concerted effort to ensure all corners of Southern Nevada benefited from this program and would like to congratulate all the minority-owned businesses who obtained new certifications. We look forward to continuing our work in supporting and empowering the business community.

WALK THROUGH THE PROGRAM

Diversity Certified Program Overview Download
Diversity Certified Program Overview Download

 

 

faq’s

faq’s

What if I do not meet all listed eligibility requirements?

Unfortunately, the criteria listed are the requirements of the certifying agencies and are mandatory to enter the program. Here is a list of free resources who can assist you further.

Can I still apply if I was previously a certified diverse business, but it has expired?

Yes, previous certification does not preclude a business from applying for the program.

Am I guaranteed contracted work with The City of Las Vegas?

No, the program will not liaise contracting opportunities with any specific entity.

How long will registration be open?

There are 200 openings in the program to be filled on a first come first serve basis. This program will remain open until September 2024 or until all allotted spots have been filled.

How long until I know if I have been accepted into the program?

You will be notified up to 15 business days after submission.

How long until I have my certification?

Certification application timelines will vary depending on where each business stands within the process (i.e., the time needed to compile the necessary documentation will vary among applicants). The program will be involved until the certification application has been submitted; the program will have no control over how long the certifying agency will take to review the submission and grant certifications.

What support will the program provide?

The program will provide technical application assistance at no cost to the applicant and will cover the certification application fee charged by the certifying agency.

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