15 CFR § 1400.2 - Definitions.

For the purpose of this part:

(a) Minority business enterprise means a business which is owned or controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons.

(b) Socially disadvantaged persons means those persons who have been subjected to cultural, racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

(c) Economically disadvantaged persons means those persons whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities, as compared to others in the same line of business and competitive market area.

(d) Person means a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.