Supplier Diversity Program Qualifications

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the leading advocate for small businesses and has established the following categories and definitions:

Small Business — a business independently owned and operated that is not dominant in its field and meets Small Business Administration size standards (generally, fewer than 500 employees and owner net worth less than $750,000). Please refer to the Small Business Administration size standards.

Small Disadvantaged or Minority-Owned Business — a business that is at least 51 percent owned by someone who is found to be socially and economically disadvantaged by Small Business Administration standards and/or individual(s) who are African American, Hispanic American or Asian.

Women-Owned Business — a business that is at least 51 percent owned by a female(s) who controls the firm’s daily management.

HUBZone Business Concern — a small business that is located in a historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone), is owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens, and at least 35 percent of its employees reside within a HUBZone. You can check the SBA website to determine if an address or area is in a qualified HUBZone.

Veteran-Owned Small Business — a business not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans. The term “veteran” has the meaning defined in 38 U.S.C. 101.