The University of Toledo

Supplier Diversity Definitions

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
Minority Business Enterprise" means an individual, partnership, corporation or joint venture of any kind that is owned and controlled by U. S. Citizens and residents of Ohio, who are and have held themselves out as members of the following socially and economically disadvantaged groups: Blacks, American Indians, Hispanics and Asians. 

Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE)
An Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) participant must be a small socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are Ohio residents. EDGE establishes goals for state agencies, boards and commissions in awarding contracts to certified EDGE eligible businesses. EDGE applies to procurements of supplies and services, professional services, information technology services, construction and professional design services. 

Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Women Owned Business Enterprise is an entity that is 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or group of women. 

Disadvantage Owned Business Enterprise (DBE)
The DBE program is a federal program operating under the guidance of the United States Department of Transportation.  To qualify for certification as a DBE, an applicant must meet the following eligibility standards established in the federal regulations at 49 CFR Part 26 and 13 CFR Part 121.  https://www.ohioucp.org/index.vm 

• Small Business Concern
• Social and Economic Disadvantage Status
• Ownership
• Control

Veteran/Disable Owned Business Enterprise  (VDBE)
An independent business that performs a commercially useful function and is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more veterans/disabled veterans who have served in the active military and have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.