Guidelines to be considered a diverse business
Below are the diverse business classifications available in the U.S.
Your organization must match one or more of these classifications and be certified by a third party organization as diverse. UPS strongly encourages businesses to pursue certification through one or more certifying agencies. Certification gives UPS assurance that businesses are being forthright in their classification status.
And in the U.S., certification is required in order to be considered a diverse business by UPS. Each agency offers an array of information, services and other benefits.
Where to get certified
Multiple non-profit and governmental agencies offer diverse business certifications. The agencies listed below are preferred.
Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
A business that is (1) at least 51% owned by one or more women or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the shares must be owned by one or more women, and (2) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
A business that is (1) at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the shares must be owned by one or more minority individuals, and (2) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minority individuals. A minority group member includes any of the following racial or ethnic groups: Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Native American.
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC)
LGBT-Owned Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
A business enterprise that is (1) at least 51% owned by one or more self-identified LGBT persons or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the shares must be owned by one or more LGBT persons, and (2) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more LGBT persons.
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)
A business that is (1) at least 51% owned by one or more persons with a disability or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the shares must be owned by one or more persons with a disability, and (2) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more persons with a disability. A disability refers to a physical and/or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Please refer to Disability:IN for additional detail regarding qualifying disabilities.
Disability:IN
Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE)
A business that is (1) at least 51% owned by one or more veterans (as defined in Title 38 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations) or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans and (2) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.
National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVBE)
A business that is (1) at least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans (as defined in Title 38 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations) or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans and (2) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans.
National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
Disability:IN
Guidelines to be considered a small business
UPS is also committed to providing opportunities for qualified small businesses to become suppliers. When small businesses grow, they drive the economic engine that benefits all. And often small businesses are best prepared to provide the responsiveness, agility and innovation UPS looks for.
If your business meets the size or revenue criteria established for your industry by the U.S. Small Business Administration, it can be considered small. Look up the size standard for your business here. You may be surprised how large your business can be and still meet the guidelines.
UPS also seeks to work with businesses that are a part of various small business programs and categories (e.g. HUB Zone, 8(a), Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Women-owned Small Businesses, Veteran-owned Small Businesses, Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Businesses, etc.).
If your business might qualify as a small business, it’s worth a minute to search and let us know when you register in our supplier portal.