Our ISO Training & Certification is unlike any in the country because it provides a $15,000 forgivable loan to qualified, selected MWBE owners. If you are accepted into the program, you are responsible for a $250 entry fee before the first training session and an additional $250 upon completion of training in order to receive an ISO certification. Personal guarantees may be required for the Forgivable Loan and real or personal property may be required as collateral. For the loan to be ‘forgivable’ key timelines and certification guidelines must be met. The Forgivable Loan requirements are available through the application process.

Selected MWBE owners are required to complete each of the eleven weekly, half-day training sessions that will be held at the Greater Memphis Chamber. These training sessions are mandatory and each business owner may include up to two additional company staff members to join the sessions. The participating business owner commits to complete all class assignments on time and to submit assignments as instructed.

MWBEs that meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply for the ISO Training and Certification Program:

• Company is certified by a recognized organization/association/agency as a Minority or Women-Owned Business
• Company is a for-profit business and is based in Memphis or Shelby County, TN
• Company is in “good standing” with the Memphis/Mid-South Market and has no pending legal or financial disputes/issues that relate to the company and/or principals and management staff
• Company’s City, County and State taxes are current or an approved payment plan is in place
• Company generates annual revenue of $500,000 – $50 million
• Company has completed a minimum of three (3) business cycles and is or has begun to show profits
• Company demonstrates growth in employment and/or revenue
• Company will provide financial data, sales receipts and status of current contracts
• If Company has a Board of Directors, Company must obtain an authorization letter of support and commitment for the ISO Training and Certification Program
• Company agrees to periodic follow-up evaluations over a five-year period once ISO certification is completed

The first ISO class has completed their course with huge success, and we will be opening applications for the second class soon. Check back here and follow us on social media to find out more about how to apply.