Free DBE Personal Net Worth Worksheet
The PNW calculation is the #1 reason DBE applications are denied. This worksheet walks you through every asset and liability — including the new retirement exclusion from October 2025 — so you know your number before you submit.
What's in the Worksheet
- ✓Complete asset inventory (8 categories)
- ✓Liability tracking (3 categories)
- ✓Exclusions checklist with explanations
- ✓Joint ownership calculation guide
- ✓$2,047,000 limit check
- ✓Supporting documentation checklist
- ✓Pre-filled example calculation
Prefer an interactive tool?
Try our free online PNW Calculator — enter your numbers and get an instant result. The worksheet is for offline preparation and documentation.
For the full guide with common mistakes and IFR changes, read our PNW Calculation Guide.
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Assets (Counted)
- ☐ Cash & bank accounts: $______
- ☐ Stocks, bonds, mutual funds: $______
- ☐ Real estate equity (not primary home): $______
- ☐ Vehicles, boats, RVs (net): $______
- ☐ Life insurance (cash value): $______
- ☐ Other business interests: $______
- ☐ Notes receivable: $______
- ☐ Personal property: $______
Liabilities (Subtracted)
- ☐ Personal loans: $______
- ☐ Credit card debt: $______
- ☐ Other liabilities: $______
Excluded (Not Counted)
- ✓ Applicant firm ownership
- ✓ Primary residence equity
- ✓ Retirement accounts (NEW)
PNW = Total Assets − Total Liabilities = $______
Must be under $2,047,000 to qualify
What Changed in October 2025
PNW Limit Raised
$1,320,000 → $2,047,000
Retirement Excluded
401(k), IRA, pension no longer count
If you were previously over the limit, recalculate — you may now qualify. Use our online calculator for an instant check.
FAQ
What is the DBE personal net worth limit?
The limit is $2,047,000 per disadvantaged owner (raised from $1,320,000 in October 2025). This applies to both DBE and ACDBE certification.
What is excluded from the PNW calculation?
Three items: (1) ownership in the applicant firm, (2) equity in your primary residence, and (3) retirement assets (401k, IRA, pension — new exclusion since October 2025).
Do I count my spouse's assets?
Joint assets are counted at 50%. Assets held solely by a non-applicant spouse are generally not counted, but transfers within the past 2 years may be scrutinized.
What supporting documents do I need?
Bank statements, brokerage statements, property appraisals/tax assessments, loan documents, retirement account statements, vehicle valuations, and life insurance statements.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
An experienced advisor can review your ownership structure, net worth, and business size to determine which certifications you may be eligible for.
Get a Free Eligibility Assessment