

Certification Overview
General Overview:
ABE offers a certification that allows businesses to become minority-owned if they meet the eligibility criteria of being owned by individuals from the Arab or Middle Eastern and Northern African regions.
This certification opens up excellent targeted business opportunities by granting access to government, state, and local entity jobs, as 8% to 15% of government jobs are required to be awarded to a minority-owned business.
Obtaining certification from ABE also provides networking opportunities with other ABE-certified businesses, large government contractors, and much more.

Eligibility Criteria:
ABE certification is the gold standard for minority-owned for-profit and not-for-profit businesses. To qualify:
Once awarded, the certificate is valid for one year, with annual renewal applications required.
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Businesses must be at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by qualified minority group members.
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A qualified minority group member is a U.S. citizen who is at least 25% Middle Eastern or North African. Eligibility is determined through document reviews, screenings, interviews, and site visits.
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For publicly owned businesses, at least 51% of the stock must be owned by one or more qualified minority group members.
Once awarded, the certificate is valid for one year, with annual renewal applications required.
Arab Business Enterprise Certification Benefits
Corporate and Government Access
Gain exclusive access to supplier diversity and procurement executives at hundreds of major U.S. corporations and federal, state, and local government entities. These organizations recognize ABE Certification, making it easier to connect with decision-makers and secure opportunities that prioritize minority-owned businesses.
Unlock both formal and informal opportunities to work with Corporate and Government Members actively seeking partnerships with ABE-certified businesses. Additionally, collaborate with other ABE-certified companies to expand your business network and discover new avenues for growth.
Business Opportunities
Join a vibrant community of Arab business owners and like-minded professionals who are dedicated to the growth and success of Arab-owned enterprises. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and benefit from a collective commitment to fostering excellence and mutual support within the ABE network.
Supportive Community
Certification Cost
The non-refundable processing fee for new applications and recertification is based on annual gross revenue as reported on Federal Taxes and is divided into five (5) tiers. Please identify which range your company’s revenues fall within to determine the required fee.
<$1M
$550
$1M < $5M
$1,100
$5M < $10M
$1,600
$10M < $50M
$2,500
$50M+
$3,500
Awards and Recognition
Stand out in your industry with eligibility for prestigious regional and national awards. Gain recognition for your achievements, reinforcing your business’s credibility and positioning you as a leader in your field.


