The CBE Business Center allows a company to certify its business with the District government as a Certified Business Enterprises (CBE) (formerly Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (LSDBE)). A company has the option to complete the following processes in the center:

Certify a business as an CBE (certification is granted for a two year period)  Recertify a business as an CBE Upgrade CBE certification for a business

A joint venture is a different type of business entity that has a separate registration process. To learn more, select the link below: 

What is CBE certification and why should a business apply? How long will the process take? View the information you will need to gather to complete an application. View a checklist of other documents you will need to submit as part of the application packet.

There are two ways to apply for business certification: online or with printable forms. To determine the method best suited to you, select the link below:

Compare applying online to using printable forms.

Select one of the buttons below to start your certification:

If you need further assistance with the CBE Business Certification Application, contact DSLBD at (202) 727-3900 or select the links below:

CBE Application Assistance  CBE Glossary of Terms