You can apply for certification with the Equity and Inclusion Unit if you own a certain type of business in Boston.
Before you apply online, choose your certification
Our mission is to create equal opportunities for businesses of all kinds in Boston. After your business is certified with our office, we’ll include you in any outreach efforts we make for City projects. We can also connect you to resources offered inside and outside of the City.
Your first step is to determine what certification you qualify for. We have more information about each certification, and if you qualify. Find out if you qualify.
Get your info together
Each certification requires that you submit different information. You will also need to provide certain documents depending on the type of business you own. We have information on what documents you will need to gather and upload with your application. Find out what documents you need.
Complete the online application
Once you've gathered all the relevant information and documents, you can begin your online application. Unless you have one already, you will need to create an account in order to begin filling in the application. This allows you to easily save and return to your application while it's in progress.
Keep in Mind
We also suggest that become a vendor with the City of Boston by creating an account on the Supplier Portal. Your vendor account will allow you to see and bid on City contracts.
Before you apply, choose your certification
Your first step is to determine what certification you qualify for. We have more information about each certification, and if you qualify. Find out if you qualify.
Get your info together
Each certification requires that you submit different information. You will also need to provide certain documents depending on the type of business you own. We have information on what documents you will need to gather and upload with your application. Find out what documents you need.
On your application you will also need to enter codes in two different fields for your business:
- The North American Industry Classification Code, which depends on what types of goods or services you offer. You can pick up to three codes.
- United Nations Standard Products and Services (UNSPSC) Codes from the that best describe your business. You can pick up to three codes.
Search for North American Industry Classification Codes
Search for applicable UNSPSC codes
Print and fill out the application
Next, print and fill out the certification application:
Send us your application
You can email your completed application and any related documents to stacey.williams@boston.gov. You also have the option to mail your application and documents to:
1 City Hall Square #500
Keep in Mind
We also suggest that become a vendor with the City of Boston by creating an account on the Supplier Portal. Your vendor account will allow you to see and bid on City contracts.
Keep in mind
You can search our database to find registered small businesses in Boston. We also have a list of all open bid projects in the City of Boston. You can get a paid mail subscription, or see a list of current bids online.
Suggested Content
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