How to Get Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) in North America

Getting certified doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — in fact, SupplierGateway's Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) makes the process quick, affordable, and empowering for diverse businesses. With EDC, you’ll be able to showcase your company as credible, diverse, and ready for opportunity.

Whether you’re in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, here’s everything you need to know to navigate the process smoothly.

What is EDC?

The Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC) is a diversity and verification credential that helps small and diverse businesses stand out to large corporate buyers. It confirms:

• Your business is legally registered.
• Ownership and control are in qualifying diverse categories.
• Identity and compliance have been verified.
   

Think of it as a trust badge that builds confidence with partners and opens doors to new business opportunities.

United States – EDC Requirements and Process

Eligibility

• At least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by individuals from one or more diversity groups:
  • Minority-owned
  • Woman-owned
  • Veteran-owned / Service-disabled veteran-owned
  • LGBTQ+-owned
  • Disability-owned
     
• Legally registered as a business in the U.S.
• Owners must provide government-issued photo ID for verification.
   

Required Documents

• Proof of business registration (incorporation, LLC docs, or business license).
• Tax Identification Number (TIN/EIN).
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
• Ownership attestation under the diversity category.
• Ability to complete biometric identity verification.
  
   

Steps

1. Create your SupplierGATEWAY account and select “United States.”
2. Complete the EDC application questionnaire
3. Upload your documents.
4. Complete biometric verification.
5. Pay the fee ($25 for 1 year / $70 for 3 years, or waived if sponsored).
6. Submit and receive certification (often within 15 minutes 🎉).
   
    

 Tips

• Double-check that names match across all documents.
• Use a well-lit area for the biometric step.
• Organize your documents in advance for a smoother upload.
  
   

Canada – EDC Requirements and Process

Eligibility

• Business must be legally registered in Canada.
• At least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by diverse individuals (minority, women, veterans, LGBTQ+, or persons with disabilities).
  
   

Required Documents

• Sole Proprietorship: Master Business Licence or Business Name Registration, plus CRA Business Number (BN).

• Partnership: Partnership agreement and registration (if required by province).

• Corporation:
  • Certificate of Incorporation (federal or provincial)
  • Corporate Profile/Current Extract
  • Articles of Incorporation
    
     

Steps

1. Register on SupplierGATEWAY and select “Canada.”
2. Fill out the application: company details, ownership, diversity category.
3. Upload required documents.
4. Verify the identity of qualifying owner(s).
5. Pay the fee (1-year or 3-year term, or waived if sponsored).
6. Submit and receive certification — often within minutes.
   
    

Tips

• Make sure your CRA BN is active and matches your business name.
• Scan documents clearly and save them in PDF format.
• Keep incorporation or partnership agreements nearby before you start.
   

Mexico – EDC Requirements and Process

Eligibility

• Business must be legally registered in Mexico.
• At least 51% ownership by individuals from SupplierGateway's diversity categories.
  
   

Required Documents

• Sole Proprietorship: RFC (SAT) Constancia de Situación Fiscal, plus municipal licence.

• Partnership: Notarized partnership agreement and inscription with Registro Público de Comercio (RPC).
   
• Company (S.A. de C.V. / S. de R.L. de C.V.):
  • Acta Constitutiva notarized and registered with RPC
  • RFC (SAT)
    
     

Steps

1. Log into SupplierGATEWAY and select “Mexico.”
2. Provide business and diversity ownership details.
3. Upload required documents.
4. Complete identity verification.
5. Submit the application — certification is typically issued quickly.
   
    

Tips

• Make sure your RFC is current and matches your registration.
• Keep your municipal license up to date.
• Prepare notarized documents in advance for smoother submission.
   

Validity & Renewal (All Countries)

• Certifications are valid for 1 year (or 3 years with the extended term).
  
   
• You’ll be notified when it’s time to renew or you can log into sgw.suppliergateway.com 90 days prior to your expiration date, scroll to the EDC section and start your new application. Renewal simply means updating your documents and re-verifying identity.
  
   

🔗 Registration Links

• Apply for U.S. EDC
• Apply for Canadian EDC
• Apply for Mexican EDC