Make the Move to Add SBE Certification

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification can open the door to increased contracting and procurement opportunities with public entities and organizations that prioritize small business participation. Regardless of if you are new to certification or expanding your credentials, we are here to support your success. Take a moment to explore all things SBE, and when you’re ready, contact WBCS to get started. We look forward to helping your business move forward with confidence.

SBE Certification 

The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification is a designation for companies that meet established small business size standards and is intended to expand contracting and procurement opportunities with corporations, municipalities, and government entities that have supplier diversity or small‑business participation goals. Unlike certifications based on ownership demographics, such as WBE for women‑owned businesses or MBE for minority‑owned businesses, SBE certification is focused solely on the size of the business.

SBE+PNW Certification 

Before pursuing SBE certification, it is important to understand the difference between SBE and SBE+ certification. The SBE+ certification requires Personal Net Worth (PNW) eligibility, and is currently required by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. SBE+ certification requires your Personal Net Worth (PNW) does not exceed $2.047 million dollars in personal assets to meet eligibility.

Documentation Needed for SBE+PNW

  • PNW form (completed in full and signed) from owners of a minimum of 51% of the business.
    • Note: The PNW form is for a single individual and should be completed only for the individual, not a married couple.
    • If a married couple owns a firm 50%/50%, each owner must submit a PNW form, each worksheet section must be completed and carried over to the cover sheet (page 3 of 9), and ownership of assets is based on title.
  • Jointly held assets should be split based on ownership percentage. Documentation supporting each worksheet section (e.g., statements, valuations, checking, saving, IRA, real estate, etc.).
  • Most Recent Personal Federal Tax Return, including all schedules, signed and dated
  • Most Recent Business Federal Tax Returns, including all schedules, for each other business (excluding the applicant business) in which the individual owns an interest, signed and dated.
  • The PNW form cannot be digitally signed.

Who is Requiring SBE Certification?

As each corporation and public entity states varying requirements, the recommendation is to research the prospective client’s procurement needs to determine which certification is appropriate. Companies are consistently evolving; therefore, it is recommended to review requirements of prospective suppliers, frequently.

Many cities, counties, transportation authorities, and corporations accept the WBCS-issued SBE certification. Our SBE certification helps businesses access opportunities where small business participation is a goal and/or required in procurement practices.

As of January 15, 2026 the below public entities have transitioned to SBE-focused programs.

WBCS Application Process

  • If WBCS Certified WBE
    • Click Here to Complete Your Company's Interest
    • Payment is Collected and a Confidential Application Link is Provided  
    • Complete and Submit Application
    • Application is Reviewed by WBCS Certification Team
      • If current, and in good standing, WBENC-certified WBE, the SBE application review takes 1-2 business days from the initial request.
    • Decision is Emailed to Applicant. If Approved, a Certificate will be Provided.
  • If Non-WBCS Certified WBE
    • Click Here to Complete Your Company's Interest
    • Payment is Collected and a Confidential Application Link is Provided  
    • Upload Required Documentation and Submit Application
    • Application is Reviewed by WBCS Certification Team
      • Please note that with the increased document review required, the processing time increases to up to 30 days from complete submission.
    • Decision is Emailed to Applicant. If Approved, a Certificate will be Provided.
  • Personal Net Worth Supporting Documents
    PNW Supporting Documents
  • SBE Plus Threshold - Confirm Your Personal Net Worth Meets the Amount
    • Prior to applying, make sure your personal net worth is at or below $2.047 million, as this is required for eligibility. Application fees are non‑refundable.

 

Common Questions

  • 1. What is SBE Certification?
    • The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification is a business designation for companies that meet small business size standards.
    • It is designed to increase contracting and procurement opportunities with corporations, municipalities, and government entities that have supplier diversity or small business participation goals.
    • Unlike certifications focused on ownership demographics (e.g., WBE for women-owned, MBE for minority-owned), SBE is focused on business size.
  • 2. Why Get Certified as an SBE?
    1. Access to Opportunities
      • Helps small businesses compete for corporate and government contracts that include “SBE participation goals.”
    2. Visibility
      • Listed in the WBCS database of certified businesses, which is used by corporations and entities seeking small business suppliers.
    3. Competitive Edge
      • Differentiates a company when competing against larger firms.
      • Showcase that your company qualifies for SBE specific opportunities.
    4. Networking & Resources
      • Access to WBCS programming, matchmaking, events, and connections with procurement leaders.
  • 3. How Long is the Certification Valid?

    If WBENC-certified, the SBE expiration date is the same date as your WBE certification expiration. If non-WBENC-certified, the SBE expiration date is one year from SBE issuance.

  • 4. Who Qualifies?
    • The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification is a business designation for companies that meet small business size standards.
    • It is designed to increase contracting and procurement opportunities with corporations, municipalities, and government entities that have supplier diversity or small business participation goals.
    • Unlike certifications focused on ownership demographics (e.g., WBE for women-owned, MBE for minority-owned), SBE is focused on business size.
  • 5. What Do I Need to Do For Renewal?

    During the SBE renewal process, you will need to reaffirm that the company’s structure/ownership and operations have not changed to impact the certification eligibility. All changes to the business are required to be disclosed during the renewal process.

  • 6. How Do I Know What Company Requires Certification?

    As each corporation and public entity states varying requirements, the recommendation is to research the prospective client’s procurement needs to determine which certification is appropriate. Companies are consistently evolving; therefore, it is recommended to review requirements of prospective suppliers, frequently.

  • 7. How Long Does the Certification Process Take?

    If a current and in good standing, WBENC-certified WBE, the SBE application review takes 1-2 business days from initial request. If non-WBENC-certified, the SBE process can take up to 30 days upon complete document submission. Click here to begin the application process.

  • 8. What’s the Difference Between SBE and SBE+ Certifications?

    SBE certification is primarily used by public entities and local municipalities. SBE+ certification is currently required by the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and requires Personal Net Worth (PNW) eligibility.

  • 9. What if I’m a Male-owned Business? Can I Receive SBE Certification through WBCS?

    Yes! We welcome all small businesses to apply for SBE certification through WBCS. Click here to begin the application process.

  • 10. I am SBE Certified through Another Agency. Do I Need a WBCS SBE Certification?

    Public entities and local municipalities acknowledge the standards and screening of the WBCS SBE certification. If you are currently certified SBE from another local agency, you do not need to apply for another. However, you are welcome to seek differing certifications from multiple agencies.

  • 11. I Am WBCS SBE Certified but Need to be SBE+, How Do I Update My Certification?

    SBE+ certification requires additional documentation, including a Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement. To add SBE+, please email [email protected] for more information on requirements and fees. 

  • 12. How Do I Start the SBE/SBE+ Application?

    Click here to begin the application process. Once we receive payment, you will receive an exclusive link to upload appropriate documents for submission and review. 

Pricing for WBENC-Certified WBEs

SBE Certification 

SBE Certification (Expedited) 

SBE/SBE+ Certifications 

SBE/SBE+ Certifications (Expedited)

Pricing for Non-WBENC-Certified Companies

SBE Certification 

SBE Certification (Expedited) 

SBE/SBE+ Certifications 

SBE/SBE+ Certifications (Expedited)