Government agencies and most large business require minority certification as prequalification to participate in minority procurement programs. Some require that certification be executed through a specific agency or association. Check with each procurement source for its unique requirements and guidelines.

Certification Programs
Arizona Department of Commerce
City of Phoenix Certification
City of Tucson Certification
8A Certification – SBA Arizona District
Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council

Federal Definition of Minority Owned Business
A minority owned business is a for profit enterprise located in the United States or its Trust Territories which is owned, operated and controlled by minority group members that are US citizens as described below. Ownership is described as at least 51% owned by minority individuals.

Asian-Indian
A US citizen whose origins are India, Pakistan or Bangladesh

Asian-Pacific
A US citizen whose origins are Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Samoa and the US Trust Territories of the Pacific or Northern Marianas.

Black. African American
A US citizen having origins of the Black racial groups of Africa.

Hispanic
A US citizen of Hispanic heritage including the Spanish-speaking areas of Latin America or the regions of Mexico, Central America, South America or the Caribbean Basin.

Native American
A person who is American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut or Native Hawaiian.