GSMECC Certification FAQ
What is GSMECC?
GSMECC (Global Small & Medium Enterprise Certification Council) is a private-sector certification framework designed to identify and verify independently owned small and medium-sized businesses using standardized eligibility criteria.
NGLCC, in partnership with WBENC, has served as a principal architect and driving force behind the development of GSMECC. Together with launch partners Disability:IN, National ACE (The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship), the National Small Business Association (NSBA), and NaVOBA, the coalition has established a consistent certification framework designed to expand opportunities for qualified small and medium-sized businesses.
The goal of GSMECC is to create a trusted, scalable certification that helps corporations identify qualified small and medium-sized suppliers while expanding access to procurement, supplier inclusion, sourcing, and business development opportunities for certified businesses.
Who are the launch partners behind GSMECC?
Current GSMECC launch partners include:
- NGLCC (National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce)
- WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council)
- Disability:IN
- National ACE (The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship)
- National Small Business Association (NSBA)
- NaVOBA (National Veteran-Owned Business Association)
Together, these organizations represent some of the nation’s most established certification, supplier engagement, and business development networks and are committed to advancing opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
FAQ Information for Corporate Partners
GSMECC provides a standardized, verified way to identify small and medium-sized suppliers. It helps corporations:
– Expand supplier pipelines
– Identify qualified SMEs
– Strengthen procurement and sourcing efforts
– Advance supplier inclusion objectives
– Reduce administrative burden through third-party verification
– Access a broader pool of growth-oriented suppliers
GSMECC is focused specifically on business size and independence rather than demographic ownership categories.
It verifies that a company meets established small or medium business criteria based on ownership, control, independence, and size standards.
GSMECC currently uses a simplified two-tier structure:
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
– Aligns with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards.
Medium Business Enterprise (MBE)
– Businesses that exceed SBA small business thresholds but still meet GSMECC medium business criteria.
This simplified structure was intentionally adopted to improve market understanding, corporate usability, and scalability.
Yes.
While GSMECC certifies businesses as either Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) or Medium Business Enterprises (MBEs), corporations can still segment suppliers within their own systems using revenue, employee count, industry, geography, or other criteria.
No.
GSMECC is designed to complement existing procurement, supplier inclusion, and sourcing programs by providing an additional verified classification focused on business size.
NGLCC Implementation & Launch FAQs
Yes.
NGLCC will be the first certifying organization to formally implement GSMECC certification beginning in July 2026. Through the retroactive certification of eligible LGBTBEs, the launch of a pilot program for qualified businesses that do not meet LGBTBE eligibility requirements, and the introduction of the first cohort of GSMECC-certified businesses at the 2026 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference in San Diego, NGLCC is helping establish the foundation for GSMECC adoption across the broader certification ecosystem.
In many cases, no.
Beginning in July 2026, NGLCC plans to retroactively certify existing LGBTBEs that meet GSMECC eligibility requirements. This will allow qualifying businesses to hold both certifications and determine which certification may be most advantageous for a particular opportunity, customer, or procurement program.
Businesses will be notified if additional information is required to confirm GSMECC eligibility.
Yes.
In fact, NGLCC expects many qualifying businesses to hold both certifications simultaneously. The certifications are complementary rather than competitive, allowing businesses to leverage the certification most relevant to a particular opportunity, customer requirement, or procurement program.
The certifications serve different purposes.
LGBTBE Certification
– Verifies LGBTQ+ ownership and control.
– Connects businesses with LGBTQ+ supplier inclusion initiatives and opportunities.
GSMECC Certification
– Verifies that a business meets standardized small or medium enterprise criteria.
– Creates opportunities where business size is the primary qualification rather than demographic ownership.
Having both certifications gives businesses greater flexibility when engaging with customers, corporate partners, and procurement programs.
We anticipate that many GSMECC launch partners that administer identity-based certifications may pursue similar approaches.
However, each certifying organization will establish its own implementation timeline, policies, and procedures. Businesses should contact their certifying organization directly for the most current information.
Yes.
GSMECC certification is independent of LGBTBE certification.
A business does not need to be LGBTQ+-owned to qualify for GSMECC certification. Any business that meets the applicable size, ownership, independence, and operational requirements may be eligible.
Yes.
Beginning in July 2026, NGLCC will launch a pilot program for businesses that qualify for GSMECC certification but do not qualify for LGBTBE certification.
The pilot will help inform future implementation while expanding access to certification and opportunity for a broader segment of the small and medium-sized business community.
NGLCC expects to begin issuing GSMECC certifications and implementing its pilot program in July 2026.
Additional information regarding application procedures, eligibility reviews, and timelines will be announced as implementation progresses.
The first cohort of GSMECC-certified businesses is expected to participate in the 2026 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference in San Diego this August.
The conference will provide opportunities for certified businesses and corporate partners to connect through networking, educational programming, supplier engagement activities, and matchmaking.
FAQs for Businesses
A business may apply if it:
- Is a for-profit company
- Is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens
- Is independently owned and operated
- Operates in the United States or its territories
- Meets applicable size requirements
- Is not a shell company or pass-through entity
- Is not controlled by a larger company
Yes.
To qualify for GSMECC certification, at least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
The company must meet SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code.
Medium Business Enterprise (MBE)
The company must exceed SBA small business standards while remaining within GSMECC medium business thresholds.
Businesses from virtually any industry may apply, including, but not limited to:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Professional Services
- Technology
- Retail
- Transportation
- Consulting
- Healthcare
- Other commercial sectors
Documentation requirements vary based on business structure and may include:
- Certification application
- Ownership documents
- Organizational documents
- Tax documents
- Employee verification records
- Business licenses and permits
- Other materials necessary to verify eligibility
Specific requirements will be provided during the application process.
Certification is issued for a defined certification period established by the certifying body.
Certified businesses must also complete periodic reviews or attestations to confirm continued eligibility.
Certified businesses must:
- Continue meeting eligibility requirements
- Notify the certifying body of significant changes
- Report ownership changes
- Report organizational restructuring
- Report changes that could affect size status
Yes.
Certification may be suspended or revoked if a company:
- No longer meets eligibility requirements
- Provides false information
- Fails to comply with certification requirements
Certification can help businesses:
- Increase visibility with corporate buyers
- Participate in procurement and supplier inclusion initiatives
- Access networking and matchmaking opportunities
- Demonstrate verified small or medium business status
- Differentiate themselves in competitive procurement environments
NGLCC believes that expanding access to certification creates more pathways to opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses.
GSMECC provides a standardized, scalable framework for recognizing qualified small and medium enterprises while complementing existing identity-based certifications. Together, these certifications give businesses additional tools to compete, grow, and engage with corporate procurement, supplier inclusion, sourcing, and business development opportunities.
