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Before you submit your application
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Gather the documents you will need to complete the process. Select "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.
- The business' federal, state, and city signed tax returns for the most recent tax year, including all schedules.
- 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.
- Business contracts and invoices completed and signed, for services performed by the business, in New York City, within the past year, along with proof of payment.
- Proof of minority group status of each owner claiming minority status.
- Business start details demonstrating how the business was initially capitalized.
- Businesses incorporated outside New York State must provide a Certificate of Authority from the NYS Secretary of State. Learn more here.
- Sole Proprietors must provide a "Business Certificate" filed with the County Clerk if operating under a DBA name.
- 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.
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Your business may qualify for the quicker Fast Track application if it has specific certifications from one of New York City's Fast Track partners. Qualifying certifications include Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), Locally based Business Enterprise (LBE), and NYS Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). The City's Fast Track partners include:
- New York City School Construction Authority
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Women President's Educational Organization
- New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.
- New York State Department of Economic Development
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If eligible, you may simultaneously submit apply for certification with our partners by submitting an addendum with your application. Addendums are provided below in PDF format.
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Your businesses must have a Federal Tax ID. This could be an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) for sole proprietors. Learn more about employer identification numbers here.
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Businesses must be a registered vendor with the City of New York. To register, you must create an account on the Payee Information Portal. A a PIP account provides you with a NYC Vendor Number.
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Businesses are required to register with PASSPort. To register, you must create an account on the PASSPort portal. A PASSPort account puts your business on the Citywide Bidder List.
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Free certification workshops are available if you need any help with this process. Check the Business Courses page for details.