Why Certification Matters A Certified badge on your listing is more than a visual indicator — it's a trust signal that opens real doors. Corporate procurement teams, government agencies, and conscious consumers actively seek certified Black-owned businesses. The Two-Step Process Step 1: Self-Attestation (Immediate) When you submit your listing, you'll check a declaration confirming that your business is at least 51% Black-owned. This gets your listing live immediately. Step 2: Document Verification (Certified Badge) To earn the gold Certified badge, you'll upload supporting documentation: - Articles of Incorporation or LLC Operating Agreement - Government-issued ID of the majority owner(s) - EIN confirmation letter from the IRS Our admin team reviews submissions within 3-5 business days. What Documents Are Accepted - State-issued business registration - Federal EIN letter - Articles of Incorporation - Government-issued photo ID - Any combination of the above that confirms 51%+ Black ownership After Certification Once certified, your listing will display the gold Certified badge on both your profile page and in directory search results. You'll also be eligible for the Business of the Month spotlight and priority placement in city guide pages.