What is MBE? Minority Business Enterprise is a certification intended for businesses to show their diversity. In order to qualify for this certification, you must have a for-profit business which has been running for at least a year in the United States. The main requirement is that at least 51% of the owners should have minority background such as African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and more. The company’s day to day operations must also be controlled by a person of color. To ensure all this the business goes through the application process including a site visit from the organization. How can I get my MBE Certification? A lot of different organizations can provide the certification. To get started, you must fill out the related documents and take them to the organization you choose. After completing the application process, the business must also receive a visit from the organization to get an idea of how the business operates. This certification will be valid for 5 years before having to renew. Benefits of Being MBE Certified After obtaining the certification a whole new world is revealed! As part of the MBE community, you receive a lot of networking connections including events.
Got Extra Money? Here’s How to Use It — In Life and in Business Tax refund hit your account? Business brought in more than expected this month? Maybe you got a bonus, landed a new client, or simply had a financial win. So how do you balance putting that money toward your personal goals and your business needs? Step 1: Prioritize Your Personal Emergency Fund Before you do anything else, make sure your personal emergency fund is in good shape. Life throws curveballs such as a flat tire, unexpected medical bill, or short-term job loss can wreck your finances if you’re not prepared. As a business owner, your personal income might already be less predictable, so having a strong safety net is even more critical. Step 2: Pay Off High-Interest Debt — Both Personal and Business Credit card debt, whether personal or business, can drain your finances. If you’ve got balances charging 15–25% interest, paying those down is like getting an instant return on your money. Step 3: Save for Short-Term Personal or Business Goals If you know you’ll need this money in the next 12–24 months, don’t invest it—save it. You’ll earn a little interest while keeping the cash