Minority and Women Owned Business Certification – A bonafide game changer & how to get there
Did you know minority owned certification can really boost your business to the next level and be a bonafide game changer, regardless of your industry? Many private sector (larger companies) and most government agencies set aside a budgeted amount for contracts that can only be assigned to women owned businesses, that’s right businesses like yours!
These lucrative contracts and projects can run the gamut from what you might expect such as public works and military projects to anything related to technology and manufacturing. However depending on the government agency or specific initiative, it can also range to contracts requiring service oriented industries such as catering, to marketing and public relations, to consumable products, professional services and much more. This sounds great, right?
“So where do I get certified you ask? Sign me up!”
Whoa Nelly, it’s not quite that easy.
The process can often be long, arduous and require a lot of supporting documentation and time required to complete the applications depending on the certifying entity. So where do you start?
The contracts you wish to bid on will determine the type of certification you need to obtain. If it is related to projects through a government agency, you will have to seek certification of status at either the city, state, county or federal level. If it is private sector contracts you are seeking to participate in, you can secure certification through non-government entities such as WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) or the NWBOC (National Women Business Owners Corporation). The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is a membership, advocacy organization that can also provide guidance and support through the process if you contact your local chapter as well as the SBA Office of Government Contracting and WomenBiz.gov
In order to increase your chances for more business it is advisable to consider more than one type of certification and once you’ve amassed all the required documentation for one, you normally have what you need to build on in order to successfully apply for additional certifications. Most certifications require an interview and a verification process to ensure you indeed do qualify. This is for your own protection and though tedious a beneficial part of the process, it helps ensure that only truly qualified entities receive the coveted status.
Please keep in mind, if your application doesn’t go through or is denied, most entities will give you a period of time to challenge or respond to the jugement.
In the Maryland region you can obtain certification from the following government entities – see below & much continued success!
Baltimore City – The Office of Minority and Women Owned Businesses Certification Information
State of Maryland – The State of Maryland Office of Minority Business Enterprise
Federal Government – The SBA Listing of Available Minority and Designated Certifications available (Including Women Owned Businesses)