Checklist for Certification Application

Sample Documentation in Support of Certification Application

The following represents a high-level overview of the types of documentation that are required to complete the certification application and as such should not be treated as an inclusive list. Full requirements are available within the application portal: https://chicago.mwdbe.com/

Ownership Information

  • Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Stamped Article of Incorporation, Organization, Association, or Certificate of Limited. Partnership or applicable organizing documents.
  • Original and any amended Corporate By-Laws.
  • Corporate/Board of Directors Meeting Minutes.
  • Operating Agreement.
  • Partnership Agreement.
  • Certificates of Membership.
  • Individual Ownership Statement – for each owner.
  • Personal Net Worth Statement– for each owner.
  • Franchise Agreements.
    • Any additional documents requested such as corporate correspondence, employee hiring, and termination letters, a signed letter detailing the owner’s role in the firm, or other records that demonstrate: (1) that the firm’s qualifying owner(s) possess(es) the power to direct the management, policies, and objectives of the firm and to make all substantive day-to-day decisions of the firm and manage its essential operations, and (2) that the owner(s) maintain(s) full-time participation in the management of the company’s day-to-day decision and operations.

Employee Information

  • Current Organization Chart.
  • Most recent 4 weeks of payrolls, including all employees and management.
  • If needed, separate compensation schedules for each officer, director, and/or person in senior management and any agreements detailing a different compensation arrangement in the future.
  • A table or list identifying any employees who have worked in the trades in the last year, specifying which trades and the number of employees in each trade.

Facility Information

  • Lease agreements (with contact information for the landlord), including a copy of the most recent lease payment.
  • Proof of ownership (deed, mortgage agreement, or property tax bill).

Financial Information

  • Most recent bank statement for all account(s) used by the firm.
  • All bank signature card(s) and/or corporate resolutions regarding access to accounts and signatories.
  • Three years of W-2 or 1099 forms for each employee who meets the specified earning threshold.
  • At a minimum, three years of federal and state corporate tax returns for Applicant firm and all Affiliates or, if not applicable, three years of the most recent U.S. individual income tax returns including ALL attachments and schedules.
  • At a minimum, three years of the highest level of financial statement available which has been audited, reviewed, or compiled, including a balance sheet and a statement of income prepared by an independent certified public accountant. Note: If these documents do not exist, the Applicant firm must certify this fact and provide a written explanation along with whatever financial documents are available.
  • Loan Agreements from the last three years for an amount greater than or equal to $10,000.
  • Line of Credit and/or Letters of Credit.
  • Documents that outline bond limits.
  • Certificate of Insurance.

Licenses And Registrations

  • All current business licenses, permits, and/or pending applications.
  • All listed current individual licenses, permits, certificates, and/or pending applications.

Equipment Information

  • Title and purchase documentation if owned.
  • Lease agreements with proof of most recent payment if leased.

Inventory

  • If applicable, all inventory (description, quality, value) held by Applicant firm during the last six months that was intended for sale, not internal use.
  • If applicable, documentation in support of supplier and/or distributor status.

Additional Information

  • Resume (Owner, Director, Officer, Manager, any Stockholder).