Many state, federal, and third-party agencies have programs that are used to certify diverse suppliers – a formal review process designed to ensure that only businesses who meet minimum eligibility criteria are awarded certification. Once a business successfully completes the process, it is awarded a certificate to prove it is diversely owned.

​

These programs help level the playing field for diverse businesses in government and corporate buying processes. Government agencies and most corporate purchasing activities require spending a certain percentage of their purchasing dollars with diverse suppliers. 

​

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts through The Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) offers the following certification programs:

​

• Supplier Diversity Program (Minority, Women, Portuguese, Veteran/Disabled Veteran, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender, and Disability-Owned Business Enterprise)

• Non-Profit Certification Program

• Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Certification Program

• Unified Certification Program (UCP)

• Third-Party Certification Program

• Construction Reform Program

• Small Business Purchasing Program