SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTSSmall Business Program Overview……………………………………………………………………....................3

Access the Online Certification Application System………………………………….............................4

Create an Account for New Applications………………………………………………………………………………5

Look up Account For No Certification Access………………………………………………………………………..6

Login Certification Access Granted……………………………………………..………………………………………..8

Certification Dashboard (Click Renew/Apply)…………………………………..…………………………………10

Begin New Application………………………………..……………………………………………………………………..13

Samples of Personal Net Worth Statement and Affidavit…………………………………………………….15

Expedited Application (DBE Only)……………………………………………………………………………………….32

Recertification Application (Renewal Only)…………………………………………………………………………45

Samples of Personal Net Worth Statement and Affidavit…………………………………………………….48

Technical Support and Access……………………………………………………………………………………………..63

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SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM OVERVIEWMETRO’s policy is to promote equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all of its procurement matters in accordance with state and federal laws. The Small (SBE) Program was created to provide additional opportunities for Small Business Enterprises to participate in contracting and procurement opportunities within METRO. METRO’s SBE Program operates in a race and gender neutral manner and is designed to include all segments of the region’s business community and is open to participation without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age or disability.

Office of Small Business RoleThe Office of Small Business is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the SBE/DBE Program through Small Business certifications, technical assistance, professional trainings and contract compliance monitoring. METRO’s Office of Small Business sets small business goals on contracts.

Certification Criteria• Must be in business for at least 1 year• Must have at least 5,000 dollars in gross revenue within the last 12 months• Company industry must not exceed SBA size standards • Personal net worth of each owner may not exceed $1,320,000 dollars

(excluding the owner’s primary residence and the value of the business). • One year of personal tax returns for each owner with 5% or more interest• At least (3) years of the firms tax returns • Owner(s) personal net worth statement and notarized affidavit• Complete the METRO on-line certification application

Let’s Get Started!

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ACCESS THE ONLINE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION SYSTEM

1. Visit our website at www.ridemetro.org2. Please click Apply for Certification.

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CREATE AN ACCOUNT FOR NEW APPLICATIONSIf you are not currently certified with METRO, select Create an Account beneath Option 1.You will be able to create a new account for your firm.

After you create an account you will be automatically directed to start the certification application, beginning on page (13) for New Applications and page (32) for Expedited DBE Applications.

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LOOKUP ACCOUNT- FOR NO CERTIFICATION ACCESS1. If you are currently certified, or if you need to gain access to your account information

Select Lookup Account beneath Option 2.

2. If you have never accessed this system before but are currently certified by METRO, an account has already been created for your firm.

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SEARCH FOR ACCOUNT EXAMPLE1. Type a few letters of your company name, in the business name field and click Search.2. From the list of results, select “Username/Password Reminder” and you will

immediately receive your username and password to your email.3. If you don’t see your e-mail address listed, contact METRO’s Office of Small Business at

(713) 713-6032.

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LOGIN – CERTIFICATION ACCESS GRANTED1. If you have accessed this system before for certification or other related functions

(contract/concession compliance, vendor registration) and know your username andpassword, select Login beneath Option 3 and go to page (9) to Login to theSystem.

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LOGIN TO SYSTEMType your username and password into the designated fields then Click Login.

The very first screen you should see the Welcome Page.Please take the time to read the information on this page. Under help and support there is a PDF that will download the Instruction Guide.This guide can be used as a quick reference to the system.

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NEW CERTIFICATION DASHBOARDClick Continue and you will automatically be taken to your Dashboard.From the dashboard, you can link to anywhere in the system.

To start the certification process, click Renew / Apply for Certification located at the top right of your screen.

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OPTIONS FOR CERTIFICATIONThe screen below will appear. Now you are ready to access your desired Certification Application. You may choose from New SBE Application, Expedited SBE Certification or SBE Recertification Application.

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SELECT AN APPLICATION OPTION (NEW APPLICATION)

Once you click the application of your choice, you must fill in all required fields or you will not be able to move to the next Section.

The application instructions may be found on the following pages:

New SBE Application - Go to page (13)

Expedited SBE Certification- Go to page (32)

SBE Recertification Application - Go to page (45)12

NEW CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

Please read the information above. All questions and fields must be answered before the system will allow you to move forward. Click Continue, after all questions are answered.

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DOWNLOAD MANDATORY DOCUMENTSPlease make sure your document is notarized and attach it electronically or submit it by fax and it will be scanned into your application. Note: If you choose to fax your documents the fax number will be provided in the B2G system.

After downloading the forms please Check the box above and click Continue to start the application process. (Note): You can download the form and complete it at the end of your certification process. 14

SAMPLES OF PERSONAL NET WORTH STATEMENT AND AFFIDAVIT

Please review on the following pages below for samples of METRO’s Personal Net Worth Statement and Affidavit of Certification. This document must be signed and notarized indicated on Page (5):

Complete a form for each partner, who has 5% or more ownership of the company. An individual's personal net worth includes only ½ of marital assets held jointly or as community property. In addition, the primary business interest and primary residence are not counted in the individuals’ personal net worth.

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Sample of

METRO’s

Personal Net Worth

Statement and Affidavit

of Certification

Pg.1

PERSONAL NET WORTH STATEMENT CONTD.

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Pg.2

CONTD.

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Pg.3

CONTD.

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Pg.4

AFFIDAVIT OF CERTIFICATION CONTD.

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Pg.5

SIGN AND NOTARIZE

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SECTIONS AND DOCUMENTATIONUnder Sections and Documents there are 3 steps that must be completed, before you can sign and submit your application. The steps do not have to be completed in order. Fill in each Section below by clicking the Process buttons.

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SECTION (1) CONTACT INFORMATION

Please Click Process in section (1) and enter your information .

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SECTION (1) CONTACT INFORMATION CONTD.

Please answer the required questions and then click Save & Return.

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SECTION (2) BUSINESS PROFILE

After completing Section 1 Contact Information, you should see a green check, you may now move to Section 2. Please Click Process.

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SECTION (2) BUSINESS PROFILE CONTD.

Please answer all required fields and click Save & Return.

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SECTION (3) DOCUMENT LIST

After completing Section (2) Business Profile, you should have a second green check and you may now move to Section (3) Document List.

Click Process to view the Mandatory and Required documents section.Only documents sent electronically will be accepted.

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OPTIONS FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTSPlease select the option you will be using for submitting documents for this application:Attach Electronic or Fax. Once you select the format, all documents for this application must be provided in the selected format; all electronic or attach all by fax. If you choose the electronic option, you will be able to attach all of your documents. If you choose to fax your documents the fax number will be provided once in the system. ----*Under Mandatory Documents Please review the information circled.*Under the required documents section mark each document as acknowledged or not applicable. Then click Lock In and Return.

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SECTION (4) SIGNATURE AND SUBMITTAL

In order to submit your application an electronic signature is required. Please Click Sign to type your first and last name.

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SIGNATURE PAGEType the owner’s name in the Signature box below. Check the box above the sign application button. Click Sign Application.

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SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

This screen will appear. Before submitting you may view or edit your application. Check the box above the submit application button. Click Submit Application. Application Process Completed. METRO has a 30 day certification process. The process will not begin, until all documents are submitted.

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CERTIFICATION DASHBOARD (EXPEDITED APPLICATION)

This application is for firms that are currently Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) certified by a qualifying agency.

Click Renew/ Apply for Certification.

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SELECT APPLICATION OPTION (EXPEDITED APPLICATION)

Click Expedited SBE Certification.

Check the box below and click continue to start the application process. (Only Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) firms can fill out the Expedited SBE Certification).

DBE Firms do not have to complete the Personal Net Worth Statement or submit tax information.

DBE Firms must submit a DBE certificate with their application.

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Please read the information below. All questions and fields must be answered before the system will allow you to move forward. You may choose the application auto fill option circled in red. Click Continue, after all questions are answered.

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SECTIONS AND DOCUMENTATION Under Sections and Documentation there are 3 steps that must be completed, before you can sign and submit your application. The steps do not have to be completed in order. Please view Section (1) below by clicking the Process Buttons.

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SECTION (1) CONTACT INFORMATION

Please click Process in Section (1) and enter your information.

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SECTION (1) CONTACT INFORMATION CONTD.

Please answer all required fields and click Save & Return.

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SECTION (2) BUSINESS PROFILE

After completing Section (1) Contact Information , you should see a green check, you may now move to Section (2). Please Click Process.

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SECTION (2) BUSINESS PROFILE CONTD.

Once you have answered the required questions in Section 2, please click Save & Return..

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SECTION (3) DOCUMENT LIST

After completing Section (2) Business Profile, you should have a second green check and now you may move on to Section (3) Document List. Click Process to view the mandatory and required documents section.

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OPTIONS FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTSPlease select the option you will be using for submitting documents for this application:

Attach Electronic or Fax. Once you select the format, all documents for this application must be provided in the selected format; all electronic or attach by fax. If you choose electronically, you will be able to attach all of your documents. If you choose to fax the documents the fax number will be provided once in the system. Please view the information circled. Under the Mandatory Documents Section, attach your DBE certificate, then click Return.

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SIGNATURE AND SUBMITTALBefore you sign your application you should see (3) green checks.

In order to submit your application an Electronic Signature is needed. Please Click Sign to type your first and last name.

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ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE

Type the Owner’s Name in the Signature box. Check the box above the Sign Application button. Click Sign Application.

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SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

This screen will appear. Check the box. Before submitting you may view or edit your application. Check the box above the Submit Application button, then Click Submit Application.Application Process Completed. METRO has a 30 day certification process. The process will not begin until all documents are submitted.

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RECERTIFICATION DASHBOARD

This application is for currently certified firms that need to renew the certification status. Click Renew / Apply for Certification located at the top right of your screen.

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SELECT APPLICATION OPTION (RECERTIFICATION APPLICATION)

The screen below will appear. Now you are ready to access your desired Certification Application.

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RECERTIFICATION APPLICATION

Please read information below. All questions and fields must be answered before the system will allow you to move forward. Click Continue after all questions are answered. You may also choose the application auto fill option. Then Click Continue.

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DOWNLOAD MANDATORY DOCUMENTSCheck the box and click Continue. (Note: You can download the form and complete it at the end of your certification process.

Please make sure your document are notarized and attach it electronically or submit it by fax and it will be scanned into your application. Note: If you choose to fax your documents the fax number will be provided in the B2G system.

Once you have downloaded your Personal Net Worth form and your Affidavit. Check the Box above and Click Continue to begin the application process. 47

SAMPLES OF PERSONAL NET WORTH STATEMENT AND AFFIDAVIT

Please review on the following pages below for samples of METRO’s Personal Net Worth Statement and Affidavit of Certification. This document must be signed and notarized indicated on Page (5):

Complete a form for each partner, who has 5% or more ownership of the company. An individual's personal net worth includes only ½ of marital assets held jointly or as community property. In addition, the primary business interest and primary residence are not counted in the individuals’ personal net worth.

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Sample of

METRO’s

Personal Net Worth

Statement and Affidavit

of Certification

Pg.1

PERSONAL NET WORTH STATEMENT CONTD.

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Pg.2

CONTD.

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Pg.3

CONTD.

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Pg.4

AFFIDAVIT OF CERTIFICATION CONTD.

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Pg.5

SIGN AND NOTARIZE

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SECTION (1) CONTACT INFORMATION

Please Click Process in Section 1 and enter your information.

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SECTION (1) CONTACT INFORMATION CONTD.

Once you have answered the required questions in Section 1 and click Save & Return.

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SECTION (2) BUSINESS PROFILEAfter completing Section (1) Contact Information, you may now move to Section (2). Please Click Process.

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SECTION (2) BUSINESS PROFILE CONTD.Once you have entered your business information, make sure all required fields are answered and click Save & Return.

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SECTION (3) DOCUMENT LISTAfter completing Section (2) Business Profile, you should have a second green check and now you may move on to Section (3) Document List.Click Process to view the Mandatory and Required Documents section.

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OPTIONS FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTSPlease select the option you will be using for submitting documents for this application: Attach Electronic or Fax. Once you select the format, all documents for this application must be provided in the selected format; all electronic or attach all by fax. If you choose electronic option, you will be able to attach all of your documents. If you choose to fax your documents the fax number will be provided once in the system. Please view the information that is circled.Under the required documents section, mark each document as acknowledged or not applicable. Then click Lock In and Return.

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SECTION (4) SIGNATURE AND SUBMITTALBefore you sign your application you should have 3 green checks. In order to submit your application an electronic signature is needed. Please Click Sign to type your first and last name.

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Type the owner’s name in the Signature box. Check the box above the Sign Application button. Click Sign Application.

SIGNATURE PAGE

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SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

This screen will appear. Check the box. Click Submit Application. Application Process Completed. METRO has a 30 day certification process. The process will not begin, until all documents are submitted.

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SUPPORT AND ACCESS

• Web Site: https://ridemetro.sbdbe.com

• Technical Support: ridemetro@sbdbe.comAccount accessPassword resetsNew usersUser deactivations

• Certification: Monique PettawayMonique.Pettaway@ridemetro.org

• Small Business Coordinator: Ana CortezAna.Cortez@ridemetro.org

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