Microsoft Small Business Program
Microsoft Federal Small Business Program requirements
At Microsoft, we see not only the value that small businesses bring to our company; we also see how small businesses promote continued innovation and growth of our economy. We are committed to working with small business suppliers to help you increase the scope of your company and become a trusted partner with us. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—including small businesses like yours.
The Microsoft Small Business Program is a US-based, Microsoft Federal business unit only, initiative that focuses on supporting Microsoft’s commitment to partner with small business suppliers. Having a range of supplier sizes in our ecosystem allows us to quickly scale to meet business needs while supporting our pledge to continually seek year-over-year (YoY) growth with small businesses.
The program has a strong commitment to find the best qualified small businesses to bring into our network. We place special emphasis on working with small businesses that are (as defined by the US Small Business Administration): minority, woman, disabled, disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and/or located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone).
As a program within our Microsoft Federal business unit, we strive to highlight the unique skills and accomplishments of our program members throughout our business enterprise. To achieve this, Microsoft Federal works to ensure that small businesses are included in all applicable competitive solicitations and partners with other operating units within Microsoft Federal throughout to promote the program members.
Who qualifies as a small business for Microsoft?
- Business located in a HUBZone: operates and employs individuals residing in a HUBZone, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- United States veteran business owner
- United States Service-disabled veteran business owner
- Woman business owner
- Disadvantaged or minority business owner
Are you a diverse-owned small business? We recommend you also review the Supplier Diversity Program to learn more about this program and to understand how it may benefit your business.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. At this time, the Microsoft Small Business Program focuses only on businesses that are headquartered in the United States.
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No. Microsoft does not require third-party certification in most cases but does ask small businesses to self-certify that they meet the Federal Small Business requirements. If you are uncertain whether your business meets the requirements, visit US Small Business Administration for more information.
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Yes, businesses that identify as diverse owned need to be third party certified.
Learn more on the Inclusive Buying Program page. -
No. There is no cost for registering with Microsoft as a small business supplier.
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No. Registering as a small business does not guarantee that your company will become a supplier for Microsoft. However, by registering, you alert Microsoft buyers of your interest and provide them with information to help them determine whether your company is appropriate for the program.
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Yes. Microsoft Procurement encourages buyers to consider using diverse suppliers whenever possible and tracks diverse spend as one of the company’s top metrics.
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No. For all sourcing opportunities, Microsoft awards business to the best supplier based on cost, quality, value, and risk.
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