Certify Colorado

Program Summary

Certify Colorado is a new program led by the Minority Business Office (MBO) that helps small and diverse business owners in Colorado cover the cost of obtaining nationally recognized business certifications. These certifications are crucial for accessing government and corporate contracting opportunities. Initial certification costs typically range between $250–$5,000 (some being free), with annual recertification fees based on gross revenue. These costs are a barrier for many small businesses, and the Certify Colorado sponsorship helps offset that burden.

This program supports businesses in obtaining third-party certifications recognized at national and regional levels. These certifications are not issued by the State of Colorado.

Overview

Type: Sponsorship

For: First Year Certifications

Amount: Up to $2,000 per participating business (Funding is paid directly to the certifying agency, not to the business.)

Application period: The program is active until all funds are depleted. A wait list will be activated once programs funds are fully deployed.

OEDIT division: Minority Business Office

Certification helps your business qualify for government contracts, supplier diversity programs, and procurement opportunities that prioritize certified small and diverse businesses. These certifications can boost your visibility, credibility, and growth potential in both public and private sectors.

List of current certifiers in Certify Colorado. (Current as of April 2026)

WBENC – Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)
City & County of Denver Certifications - (e.g., M/WBE, SBE, EBE, SBEC)
Regional Transportation District (RTD) - (SBE)
Small Business Administration (SBA) - (8a 8(a) Business Development, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and HUBZone programs)

Please note that costs are set by the participating certifiers not by Certify Colorado, MBO, or OEDIT.

Businesses that are new to the certification and/or contracting space.

To qualify, a business must follow this eligibility:

Be based, registered, and in Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State;
Complete the Certifications 101 Course (online via Business Support Learning Module System or in person through the MBO); and
- Certifications 101 Colorado Small Business Learning (English Online Course)
- Certifications 101 Colorado Small Business Learning (Spanish Online Course)
Submit a business plan showing a clear strategy for pursuing government or corporate contracting; and
- The business plan should include a clear strategy for pursuing government or corporate contracting, overall business strategy, short and long term goals, and how the business intends to achieve them. The plan should demonstrate a clear path for growth, financial management, and operational feasibility.
- The business must engage in one-on-one consulting with the MBO to verify readiness.

The program is funded on a first come first served basis and requires completion of all required steps, including:

Completion of the required Certifications 101 Course.
A viable business plan with demonstrated strategic commitment to entering or growing in the government/corporate contracting space.
Availability of program funds and certifier capacity.

Applications will be reviewed and referred to the appropriate certifiers based on the business needs on an ongoing basis. All eligible program participants must complete the eligibility requirements and follow the process set by the certifying entity they have chosen to engage with in order to be sponsored. Certification must be administered by the chosen certifier. Similar or identical certifications administered by unapproved certifiers are ineligible for the Certify Colorado program.

MBO/OEDIT does not make decisions on certification. If a participant is denied by the certifying partner the business owner may follow the available pathways to challenge and or inquire about their denial offered by the certifying organization.

MBO will work to connect you to the appropriate opportunities based on your goal. Participants will gain access to:

Networking and matchmaking events with government agencies and corporate buyers.
Referrals to appropriate sites where national, state, and local agencies post bids.
Contracting education and resources.
Referrals to Colorado APEX Accelerator (formerly Colorado PTAC) for advanced procurement support (for eligible businesses).

Enroll in the Certifications 101 Course (Online) or attend an in person session.
- Colorado Small Business Learning (Online Course) - English and Spanish.
- Complete a one-on-one consultation with the MBO.
- Select the certification you plan to pursue, receive a referral from the MBO to the certifying partner and start certifying partners programming.
- Fulfill the referral to the certifying partners and complete their criteria and application to certify. Payment will be issued directly to the certifying partners.