Apply for Micro-Local Business Enterprise Certification

Step 1.LARA

Gather your official documents from the State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Department (LARA)

(MLBE eligible businesses must have been in operation for at least one year (12 months). There are exceptions for businesses who have not been in operation for at least one year (12 months). Please contact the Business Developer for details.

Search for your business entity on the LARA website.

Example of required documentation(PDF, 492KB)

Step 2.NAICS Codes

It is necessary for you to identify the Primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code relative to your industry or business sector. (Please use the code that best describes your business service.)

Find your NAICS codes

Step 3.Location Verification

You need to provide a utility bill or rental lease to prove that your small business operates within Kent County. The business name and address given to the State of Michigan must match the utility bill or rental lease given to the Office of Equity and Engagement. The utility bill or rental lease must be dated within the last six months.

Step 4.Capability Statement (Recommended but not required)

It is highly recommended that businesses create a Capability Statement to effectively showcase their services. While this is not a requirement for completing the MLBE Certification, it serves as a valuable tool for engaging with potential partners and other organizations.

As a resource, our office has provided an example(PDF, 72KB)  and a template(DOCX, 23KB)  to assist in the development of your Capability Statement. 

Step 1.State of Michigan Commodity Codes

Please use the link below as a valuable resource to identify your State of Michigan Commodity Codes and complete your vendor registration with the City. These codes are essential for specifying the goods and services your business offers and its recommended that you have these codes selected before proceeding to the Vendor Self-Service application. To maximize your business’s visibility, ensure that you select all applicable commodity codes that accurately reflect the services your company provides.

DTMB - Commodity Code Lookup (michigan.gov)

Step 2.Register with Purchasing

Register as a Vendor/Supplier

VSS Registration Instructions

Step 1.Notarized letter from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Please provide a notarized letter from a CPA verifying that your net worth is below $305,000 using the SBA (8a) status (13CFR124.104c(2)) formula.

Note: The personal net worth verification statement does not include your primary residence.

Download a Personal Net Worth Example Letter(PDF, 8KB)

Step 2.Gather your Tax Returns

Please provide your most recent tax returns. The Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE) requires up to the past three (3) years of tax returns or a statement indicating the number of permanent employees at your company.

To determine which documents are necessary for your business, please refer to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Table of Size Standards document. Eligible businesses must be at or below 25% of the size standard for the applicable NAICS Code.

If your business has been operating for fewer than three years (36 months), please submit the tax returns you have available for that period.