Breaking into airport concessions as a small business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are a minority- or women-owned business looking to grow in a competitive space, the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification can open doors to federally backed opportunities at airports nationwide.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the ACDBE certification means, who qualifies, and how to apply step by step.
What is the ACDBE Certification?
The ACDBE program is a branch of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) under 49 CFR Part 23. It promotes minority- and women-owned businesses in airport concessions and is implemented by agencies receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding, including airport authorities and state DOTs. Certification is processed through each state’s Unified Certification Program (UCP) and is recognized statewide once approved.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for ACDBE certification, a business must meet the following requirements:
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Ownership: At least 51% of the business must be owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. This includes groups such as women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, or others found to be disadvantaged by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Individuals who are not members of these groups may also qualify if they can prove their social and economic disadvantages
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Control: The socially and economically disadvantaged owner(s) must control the management and daily operations of the business
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Citizenship: The disadvantaged owner(s) must be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents
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Business Size: The business must be a for-profit small business that meets the Small Business Administration’s size standards and does not exceed the ACDBE program’s specific size limits. For most airport concessionaires, this means average annual gross receipts over the previous three years must not exceed $56.42 million (as of 2025)
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Personal Net Worth: Each disadvantaged owner must have a personal net worth less than $2.047 million (excluding ownership interest in the business and retirement accounts)
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Independence: The business must be independent and not tied to another entity in a way that compromises the disadvantaged owner’s control.
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For-Profit Status: The business must be organized as a for-profit entity
Also Read: How to Qualify as an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
What are the Steps to Get ABCDE Certified?
1. Determine Eligibility
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Confirm your business is a for-profit enterprise, at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
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Your business must meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards. For ACDBE, gross annual receipts generally do not exceed $56.42 million (as of 2025)
2. Identify Your Certifying Agency
- Locate your state’s Unified Certification Program (UCP) agency, typically through your state’s Department of Transportation, airport authority, or a similar public agency
3. Gather Required Documentation
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Collect business and personal tax returns (typically for the past three years)
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Prepare a personal net worth statement for each disadvantaged owner
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Assemble financial statements, organizational documents, proof of ownership and control, and other supporting documentation as required by the application checklist
4. Complete the Application
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Fill out the Uniform Certification Application (UCA) for DBE/ACDBE, available online or as a downloadable form from your certifying agency
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Sign all required declarations and attach your supporting documents
5. Submit the Application
- Submit your completed application and all required documents to the certifying agency in your home state
6. Participate in On-Site Review
- Be prepared for an on-site interview and business inspection conducted by certification officials to verify your eligibility and business operations
7. Await Certification Decision
- The certifying agency will review your application, documentation, and site visit findings. If approved, your business will be listed in the state’s ACDBE directory, making you eligible for airport concession opportunities
If you want to expand your business through government work, getting ACDBE certified is a significant first step. We help businesses through each part of the process and make it easier to move forward. Contact iQuasar today to get started with the ACDBE certification.