How to Get an Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) in Central America & the Caribbean

 

Running a business in Central America or the Caribbean comes with exciting opportunities — and having the right certification can help you unlock even more doors. SupplierGateway's Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) is designed to make it simple for diverse businesses like yours to prove credibility, showcase ownership, and connect with buyers who are actively searching for trusted partners in this region and beyond.

With EDC, your company can stand out to global corporations, strengthen trust with local buyers, and highlight the unique diversity that makes your business special. Best of all? The process is fast, affordable, and entirely online — so whether you’re in Kingston, San José, Port of Spain, Santo Domingo, or Belize City, you can get certified in just minutes.

What is EDC?

The Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) is a digital credential that confirms:

• Your business is legally registered in your country.
• Ownership and control are held by individuals in one or more diverse categories (minority, women, veterans, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities).
• Owners are verified through identity checks.

It’s a credibility boost that tells buyers you’re ready to do business across borders.

General Eligibility (All Countries in Central America & the Caribbean)

To apply, your business must be:

• At least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by individuals from SupplierGATEWAY-recognized diversity categories.
• Legally registered in your country of operation.
• Able to provide government-issued photo ID for qualifying owners.
   

Required Documents (Typical for the Region)

Depending on your business type and country, you’ll generally need:

• Proof of business registration (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, Business License, or equivalent national registry document).
• Tax Identification Number or equivalent (e.g., NIT, RNC, RTN, depending on your country).
• Government-issued photo ID of the qualifying owner(s).
• Partnership or incorporation agreements if applicable.
• Ability to complete biometric verification via phone or computer.

Tip: Always check that your registration and tax ID are current and match your official business name.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create your SupplierGATEWAY account and select your country.
2. Navigate to the EDC application.
3. Provide your business information and select your diversity category.
4. Upload your required documents.
5. Complete the identity verification step.
6. Pay the certification fee ($25 for 1 year / $70 for 3 years, unless sponsored).
7. Submit and receive your certification — usually within minutes! 
    

Country Highlights

Here are a few specific notes by region:

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

• Required: Registro Nacional de Personas Jurídicas documents, RTN number.
   

Tip: Have your Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) or Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.) documents scanned and ready.

 

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

• Required: RNC certificate, Incorporation Act (Acta Constitutiva).

Tip: Double-check your RNC status online before applying.

 

🇯🇲 Jamaica

• Required: Certificate of Incorporation or Business Name Certificate (Companies Office of Jamaica), TRN (Taxpayer Registration Number).
  
   

Tip: Ensure that the TRN on your documents matches the one linked to your company.

 

🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago

• Required: Certificate of Incorporation (Registrar General), Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) number.
  
   

Tip: Scan and save your company’s incorporation documents in color for easier review.

 

🇧🇿 Belize

• Required: Certificate of Incorporation from the Belize Companies & Corporate Affairs Registry, TIN.
  
   

Tip: If you’re a sole proprietor, your Business Name Registration is sufficient.

 

(Other Central American and Caribbean nations follow a similar pattern — incorporation docs, tax ID, and owner ID.)

Validity & Renewal

• Certification is valid for 1 year (or 3 years if you choose the extended option).
• Renewal means updating your documents and re-doing identity verification.
• Reminders will be sent in advance so you never miss a renewal window.

Helpful Tips

• Make sure all your documents are legible, up-to-date, and consistent.
• Use clear scans or photos — avoid shadows or blurry images.
• Prepare IDs for all qualifying owners in advance.
• If you’re unsure which diversity category you qualify under, clarify before starting to save time.
  
   

Registration Links

• Apply for EDC – Central America
  
   
• Apply for EDC – Caribbean