DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE): A business concern which is at least 51% owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by such individuals and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more such individuals. Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. Economically disadvantaged individuals are those socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free private enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same business area who are not socially disadvantaged. Business owners who certify that they are members of named groups (Asian-Indian Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Black African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native American Indian) are to be considered socially and economically disadvantaged.
WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (WBE): A business that is at least 51% owned by a woman or women who also control and operate it. "Control" in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions. "Operate" in this context means being actively involved in the day-to-day management.
DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DVBE): A business that is at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by such individuals and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more such individuals. A Disabled Veteran is a veteran of the military, naval, or air service of the United States with a service-connected disability who is a resident of the State of California. To qualify as a veteran with a service connected disability, the person must be currently declared by the United States Veterans Administration to be 10% or more disabled as a result of service in the armed forces.