Minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MBE / WBE / MWBE)

MBE, WBE and MWBE are certifications issued by states, cities and other public bodies, not by SBA, for minority- and women-owned firms. They count toward participation goals on that government's own contracts; New York's MWBE program, run by Empire State Development, is one of the largest.

These programs are changing fast: Texas revoked its minority- and women-owned HUB certifications in 2026 when HUB became VetHUB, and North Carolina replaced its HUB program with a race- and gender-neutral small business program. Check the current rules of the government you sell to.

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   vs. Women-owned small business (WOSB / EDWOSB)

   WOSB is federal and counts on federal contracts; a WBE counts only with the government that certified it (or one that accepts it). What is WOSB?

BidRover lists 19 open bids naming MWBE right now. Newest first:

1. MWBE Opportunities - Lincoln Hospital Community Pharmacy (PLA/Union)New York, United States · Due Nov 10, 2026
2. MWBE/SDVOB - WTP Electrical and Pump ImprovementsNew York, United States · Due Nov 7, 2026
3. Notice to All Subcontractors and Suppliers Including Nys Certified Mwbe and Sdvob Firms:New York, United States · Due Nov 4, 2026
4. MWBE/SDVOB- DASNY - CUNY - Queensborough - RFK Hall - Gym & Locker Room - RenovationsNew York, United States · Due Oct 31, 2026
5. MWBE & SDVOB OPP FOR: Renovate Farber 2 Disciplinary Excellence CHHB EEH Farber Hall 2nd Floor University at Buffalo South Campus 2022 196New York, United States · Due Oct 30, 2026

1. esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/mwbe
2. comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/hub-faq.php
3. doa.nc.gov/divisions/small-business-enterprise-program