Legal

Business Verification Policy

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Mapping with Melanin™ uses a three-level verification system to help the community identify and trust Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. Here's exactly what each badge means — and what it doesn't.

Level 1

Self-Identified

The business owner selects one or more ownership identifiers during registration or profile setup. No document review is required.

Ownership Identifiers

Black-OwnedWoman-OwnedVeteran-OwnedLGBTQ+-OwnedDisability-OwnedFamily-Owned

Self-Identified status is reported directly by the business and has not been independently verified by Mapping with Melanin™.

Level 2

Verified Business

The business submits one or more supporting documents. Our admin team reviews the submission before awarding the Verified badge.

Accepted Documents

State business registration
EIN confirmation letter
Business license
Operating agreement
Ownership affidavit

Verification indicates the business completed our verification process based on submitted information. It does not guarantee ownership status, service quality, or business practices.

Level 3

Certified Minority-Owned

The business holds a recognized third-party minority business certification. This is the highest level of verification on the Platform.

Accepted Certifications

NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) certification
State minority business enterprise (MBE) certification
Other recognized third-party minority certification

Certified status is awarded based on documentation from an independent certifying body. Mapping with Melanin™ does not independently verify the certifying body's findings.

Black-Owned Business Definition

A business that has completed the Mapping with Melanin™ verification process and provided documentation supporting majority ownership (51% or more) by individuals identifying as Black or African American. Self-Identified Definition: Ownership status reported directly by the business and not independently verified by Mapping with Melanin™.

Ownership Disputes

If the ownership status of a business is challenged by a community member or third party, the following process applies: 1. The badge is temporarily placed under review. 2. The business is contacted and notified of the dispute. 3. Additional documentation may be requested. 4. Our admin team reviews all available information and makes a determination. 5. The badge is maintained, modified, or removed based on the outcome. 6. The decision is documented internally. Frivolous or bad-faith disputes may result in action against the reporting account.

What Verification Does Not Mean

Verification at any level does not constitute a guarantee of: • Ownership identity or legal status. • Service quality or customer experience. • Business practices or ethical conduct. • Accuracy of any information provided by the business. Mapping with Melanin™ is not liable for any harm arising from reliance on verification status. Users should exercise their own judgment when choosing businesses.

Maintaining Verification Status

Verified and Certified businesses are responsible for keeping their documentation current. Mapping with Melanin™ may periodically request updated documentation to maintain verification status. Verification status may be revoked if: • Documentation is found to be fraudulent or misleading. • Ownership changes and the new owner does not complete verification. • The business fails to respond to a documentation update request within 30 days.

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