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Locally Based Enterprise (LBE) Certification Program

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Before you submit your application

  • 1

    Gather the documents you will need to complete the process. Click "more info" for a list of the required documents, or download the checklist as a PDF. More info

       

      • Resumes for everyone who has ownership interest in the business.
      • Bank letters including account numbers, a list of those authorized to sign on the account, and any limitations to a signer's authority.
      • A financial statement detailing the most recent fiscal year, including a balance sheet or profit-and-loss statement, and describing all cash flows.
      • The business' federal, state, and city signed tax returns for the most recent tax three years, including all schedules.
      • Personal federal, state, and city tax returns of each owner for the prior three years, including all schedules. All W-2 forms must total to the amount listed on Line 7 of the IRS form 1040, including spouse's W-2s.
      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident alien status for each owner.
      • Licenses and permits which the business holds.
      • Lease agreements or proof of ownership for all business locations, which must be valid for at least six months after the date of application.
      • Three or more agreements from the past two years, showing business activity, displaying the company's name and address, and reflecting services provided by the company to a client.
      • Registration documents for any vehicle used for business purposes.
      • Proof of three or more sources of investment or capitalization in the business, from the past two years.
      • Business start details demonstrating how the business was initially capitalized.
      • Accountant's verification of your statement of gross receipts.


      The following documents may also be required, based on the structure of your business:

      • Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships operating under a trade or doing-business-as name (DBA) must file a Business Certificate for Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships with the clerk of the county in which the business is conducted.
      • Partnerships must provide a partnership agreement, and a business certificate as filed with county clerk.
      • Limited Partnerships (LPs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) must provide a partnership agreement and a state filing receipt, including any amended receipts.
      • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must provide an LLC Organizational Agreement and LLC Articles of Organization, a state filing receipt, including any amended receipts, and any membership certificates, front and back, as well as the next un-issued certificate.
      • Corporations must provide Articles of Incorporation, corporate bylaws, a state filing receipt, including any amended receipts, and stock certificates, front and back, as well as the next un-issued certificate.
      • Businesses operating under a trade name or doing-business-as name (DBA) must provide a Certificate of Assumed Name, as filed with the County Clerk. Learn more here.
  • 2

    Applicants must provide details of their recent gross receipts. Please fill out this document and have it ready when you apply: Gross Receipts (PDF).

    • 3

      Fill out the following two forms if you are applying for this certification based on the economic or social disadvantage of your employees: LBE Disadvantaged Status (PDF) and LBE Employees (PDF).

      • 4

        Businesses must be a registered vendor with the City of New York. To register, you must create an account on the Payee Information Portal.

        • 5

          Businesses are required to register with PASSPort. To register, you must create an account on the PASSPort portal.

          • 6

            Businesses must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Sole Proprietors that do not have an EIN may use a Social Security Number (SSN). Learn more about employer identification numbers here.

            • 7

              Free certification workshops are available if you need any help with this process. Check the Business Courses page for details.

              • Ready to Apply?

                Steps to apply online:

              • 1

                Gather electronic copies of your supporting documents.

                • 2

                  To submit a standard or Fast Track application, click on the Apply Online button.

                  • SBS Connect The online application will open in a new window.
                    Apply Online open_in_new
                  • 3

                    If you do not have electronic copies of your supporting documents, you may mail them to SBS within 30 days of submitting an online application.