The Certification Gap
01
Low Participation
Only about 2% of California businesses hold a public contract certification, despite its critical role in securing government funding.
02
Portal Fragmentation
Each agency maintains its own portal, forms, and narrative requirements, creating a complex maze for small business owners to navigate.
03
Consultant Costs
Consultants charge hundreds to thousands of dollars per application. Most owners simply give up due to the high financial barrier.
How it works
A guided path to certification for small and diverse-owned businesses in California.
01
Eligibility Screening
Answer a few questions to screen your eligibility across multiple government programs at once.
02
Document Upload
Upload your tax returns, formation documents, and operating agreements. We pull out what each application needs.
03
Review Drafts
We prepare the forms and required statements. You review, edit, and approve everything before submission.
04
Submit & Renew
Step-by-step portal guidance, then renewal reminders so your certification never quietly expires.
Built for California, starting in Oakland.
More states and programs coming. Tell us which ones matter to you.
California DGS
Apply Now
CPUC Supplier Clearinghouse
Apply Now
Caltrans DBE & ACDBE
Apply Now
City of Oakland LBE, SLBE, VSLBE
Apply Now
SB for Public Works
Apply Now
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
Apply Now
Your documents stay yours.
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Encrypted storage with strict access controls.
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You approve every AI-drafted word before it goes anywhere.
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We never sell your data or use it to train AI models without your permission.
Launch pricing - subject to change.
Most certifications are free to apply for. Certify AI saves you time and helps you submit a complete application the first time.
Free
$0
Income-qualifying businesses. Get started with eligibility screening and document prep.
Starter
$49
Perfect for first-time applicants. Includes full eligibility screening and portal guidance.
Professional
$99
For growing businesses. Full support for multiple programs and advanced document management.
Enterprise
$249
For consultants and partner organizations managing multiple businesses. Shared dashboard for teams.
Empower Your Advisors
Multiplies your team's impact with a shared dashboard for your clients. Certify AI provides a unified portal for SBDCs, chambers, and CDFIs to manage certification workflows efficiently.
Founder
Loren Taylor
Loren Taylor is an Oakland small business owner, engineer, and former Oakland City Councilmember who has personally navigated these certification processes. Founded by Loren, Certify AI is a member of the Fall 2026 Northeastern University Social Innovation Launchpad cohort.
Infrastructure for Public Procurement
We are building the infrastructure that helps small businesses access public procurement. Interested in learning more?
Get early access
Join our community of small business owners, partners, and investors. We'll be in touch to discuss your eligibility and next steps.
Thanks. We'll be in touch within two business days.
Common Questions
IS CERTIFY AI A GOVERNMENT AGENCY?
No. We are an independent company that helps you prepare your application. Agencies make all certification decisions.
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DOES CERTIFY AI GUARANTEE CERTIFICATION?
No. We help you submit a complete, accurate application; the certifying agency decides.
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DO I HAVE TO PAY TO APPLY?
Most programs are free to apply for. Certify AI is optional help, not a fee to access the program.
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WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?
Typically recent tax returns, business formation documents, ownership records, and licenses. We tell you exactly what each program requires.
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IS MY INFORMATION SECURE?
Yes. See our security section and privacy policy.
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