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Who Does NCSDC Certify?
NCSDC certifies any for profit business located in Northern California or Hawaii that is 51% or more ethnic-minority-owned, operated and controlled by a U.S. citizen(s).
Benefits of Certification
Corporate Contact List - Access to corporate supplier diversity managers.
Entrepreneurial Seminars/Business Development Resources - seminars and resources hosted and available through NCSDC partners and allied organizations.
National & Local Referrals - Each certified MBE's profile is listed in local and national databases and on our website. Corporations regularly utilize our databases and website as an invaluable source for locating certified minority vendors.
Networking Events - NCSDC hosts four major events throughout the year: Awards Gala & Dinner, Annual Trade Fair, Golf Tournament and Annual Meeting/Holiday Luncheon.
Exposure to Business Opportunities - Exposure is gained through networking with corporate buyers and fellow minority business enterprises. Both our corporate and MBE constituents are encouraged to post contract opportunities on NCSDC's web page. All contracting opportunities are e-mailed directly to our certified MBEs.
Cost of Certification:
$350.00 Initial certification processing fee
$150.00 Annual recertification and profile update
Certification Process:
The certification process takes up to 45 days, based on receipt and completion of your application.
Applications submitted to our offices by the first of each month will be reviewed for certification that same month.
Applications submitted to our offices after the first of the month will be reviewed for certification the following month.
Applications are first reviewed by the Director of Certification. You will be notified if additional supporting documents are required.
Only complete applications will then be reviewed by the Certification Committee during the first week of the month.
A site visit is scheduled during the second and third week of the month. Site visits are mandatory and conducted at the headquarters of the business by either NCSDC or a member of the Certification Committee. An application will not be approved without a site visit.
The Committee recommends certification based on the evaluation and analysis of your application data and a site inspection of your business.
NCSDC's Board of Directors reviews and approves the Certification Committee's recommendations for MBE certification during the last week of each month.
*Hawaii Applicants - Please note: Certification for Hawaii based companies may take longer to process because we conduct site visits on a quarterly basis, not monthly.
Certification Applications:
NEWLY CERTIFYING COMPANIES:
Minority Business Certification Application
MBEs CERTIFIED BY OTHER NMSDC AFFILIATE COUNCILS:
Minority Business Reciprocal Certification Application
RECERTIFYING MBEs:
Login to the website using the contact e-mail you provided to us and the password that was e-mailed to you. If you do not remember your password, click on "Forgot Your Password" and it will be sent to you immediately.
Once you are logged in, click on the "Modify Application Form" link and make any updates to your company profile.
When you have completed updating your profile, click on "Generate PDF Form" for RECERTIFYING applicants and print the PDF form. Please make sure all the fields are filled in and have the owner of the company sign the affidavit and have it notarized. You must also submit a copy of your most recent Federal Tax Return. If you are a reciprocally certified company, you do not need to include a copy of your tax return but please submit a copy of your current home council certificate.
Submit the complete profile to NCSDC, along with a check for $150 made payable to "NCSDC."
*Please note: Your completed recertification profile must be received by the expiration date on your certificate. Companies who have not submitted their profile by the expiration date will be decertified the day after their certification expires. There are no exceptions or 'grace periods' provided to any company.
Who to contact with your certification questions:
James Cardenas
Director of Certification
510.686.2555 x229
jcardenas@ncsdc.org
Valerie Leadingham
Administrative Assistant
510.686.2555
vleadingham@ncsdc.org