--- title: Understanding and Addressing Questions About Diversity Certificates description: A diversity certificate is an official document that verifies a business is owned, operated, and controlled by individuals from specific underrepresented groups. These certificates are often required --- [Skip to content](https://help.paymentworks.com/knowledge-base/understanding-and-addressing-questions-about-diversity-certificates#main-content) [![PW Logo\_light\_Green\_ White](https://help.paymentworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2026%20PaymentWorks%20Brand%20Guidelines/PW%20Logo_light_Green_%20White.png?width=200&height=34&name=PW%20Logo_light_Green_%20White.png)](https://www.paymentworks.com/) - [Help Center](https://help.paymentworks.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-the-paymentworks-knowledge-base) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Help Center](https://help.paymentworks.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-the-paymentworks-knowledge-base) - [Contact Support](https://help.paymentworks.com/contactsupport) [Contact Support](https://help.paymentworks.com/contactsupport?hsLang=en) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.paymentworks.com/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [Payee Knowledge Base](https://help.paymentworks.com/knowledge-base/payee-knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 3. [Verification Process & Document Uploads](https://help.paymentworks.com/knowledge-base/payee-knowledge-base?hsLang=en#verification-process-document-uploads) # Understanding and Addressing Questions About Diversity Certificates ### **What Is a Diversity Certificate?** A diversity certificate is an official document that verifies a business is owned, operated, and controlled by individuals from specific underrepresented groups. These certificates are often required to participate in supplier diversity programs, access funding opportunities, or demonstrate compliance with certain procurement policies. --- ### **Who Issues Diversity Certificates?** Diversity certificates are typically issued by recognized authorities, such as: - **National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):** For minority-owned businesses. - **Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC):** For women-owned businesses. - **U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):** For small, disadvantaged, or HUBZone businesses. - **Veteran or Disabled Veteran Organizations:** For veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. - **State or Local Agencies:** For regional certifications based on diversity criteria. --- ### **Common Types of Diversity Certificates** - **Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)** - **Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)** - **Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)** - **Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)** - **LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)** These certifications may vary based on your industry and the program requirements of your customer. --- ### **Why Are Diversity Certificates Important?** Diversity certificates validate your business's eligibility for: - **Supplier Diversity Programs:** Customers may have initiatives focused on engaging certified diverse vendors. - **Grant or Funding Opportunities:** Some programs prioritize businesses with diversity certifications. - **Networking and Business Growth:** Certification often unlocks access to industry events, matchmaking opportunities, and partnerships. --- ### **Questions About Diversity Certificates** If you have questions regarding your diversity certificate, such as: - **Is your certificate accepted by your customer?** - **Does the expiration date meet your customer’s requirements?** - **What type of diversity certificate does your customer require?** Please reach out to your **customer’s contact who invited you to register** on the PaymentWorks platform. --- ### **What PaymentWorks Can and Cannot Do** PaymentWorks helps facilitate secure vendor onboarding but does not: - Issue diversity certificates. - Provide advice on completing or renewing diversity certifications. - Confirm if a specific certificate meets your customer’s requirements. 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