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Of the many initiatives the Downtown San Diego Partnership has outlined on behalf of expanding our inclusiveness and diversity strategy, we are committed to cultivating a culturally diverse membership base and Board of Directors in order to lead and govern effectively.
Our underrepresented business enterprises membership opportunity fosters economic inclusion and provides individuals and businesses with the opportunity to engage with their community, share their voice and vision and provide expertise, perspectives, experiences and reputational capital.
We encourage businesses that qualify to take advantage of this opportunity and to join us as an active member.
Guidelines and qualifications
One-year discounted membership at 50% off standard rate. (This offer is limited to new member participation).
To qualify, business must maintain current certification in at least one of the below outlined categories by an accepted certifying agency, such as the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC) or the appropriate County, State or Federal agency. Business must also fall under the Small Business Administration’s “small business” classification.
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
- Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
The links to the qualifying business enterprises certification programs are located below so that you can begin the application process if you haven’t already done so. Each certification program has different criteria and processing guidelines.
To apply please complete the application form and a team member will be in contact with you shortly.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program considers independent small businesses that are at least 51% owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and have managerial and operational control of the business operations; the firm must not be tied to another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control.
A “socially and economically disadvantaged individual” is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and belongs to one of the following groups: Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, Subcontinent Asian American, and Women. The business must also fall under the Small Business Administration’s “small business” classification.
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBA) | www.mwbe-enterprises.com
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Women Business Enterprises (WBE) certification is a process that verifies a company as a for-profit business located in the United States, 51% owned by a woman, or a group of women who, but for an inheritance, contributed a proportionate amount of capital to acquire ownership, when applicable, governing board is controlled by a woman or a group of women; top executive officer, responsible for daily operations is a woman with a technical expertise (experience) in the firm’s primary business activity; Women owners are U.S. Citizens or legal residents.
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) | www.wbenc.org
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
LGBT-owned business is a for profit business that is at least 51% owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) | www.nglcc.org
Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
A veteran-owned business is a for profit business that is 51% owned, operated and controlled by United States citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents that are US military veterans.
- National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) | www.nvbdc.org
