Business certifications, available for women, minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans, and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, provide opportunities in both the private and public sectors. It is highly recommended to leverage resources to guide you through the certification process and lead to further success.
How do certifications help a business owner?
- Provides access to contracts and procurement opportunities through the Federal, State and private sector.
- Many of these certification programs offer business advisory services.
- Provides access to specific loan programs that have favorable terms that are only available to businesses with specific certifications.
- A business certification can prove to your customers that your business is a legitimate business.
What are the different types of certifications available to business owners?
Use this guide from the US Chamber of Commerce to understand certification types and gain information on the network of organizations that assist with this process. Some certification examples are:
- Women-Owned Enterprise (WBE)
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity (EDGE) business
- Veteran- Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE)
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB)
Are the certifications specific to where the business is located?
Yes, there are certifications that are for State specific opportunities, Federal specific opportunities as well as for opportunities available through the private sector.
If you are looking to secure a certification, where should you go for assistance?
There are organizations that help business owners determine what certification fits your business, assist you through the certification process of gathering required documentation, filling out the required paperwork, and submitting the request to the appropriate party for review and approval. Some of organizations you may want to explore are:
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) | Find your nearest SBDC: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc
- Women Business Center (WBC)| Find your nearest WBC: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/womens-business-centers
- APEX Accelerators/Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
APEX Accelerators help small businesses that are interested in government contracting. APEX Accelerators can help you determine if your business is ready for government contracting, register in the proper databases, guide you through the certification process and bid on contracts. - Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program | U.S. Small Business Administration
- Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC) | https://development.ohio.gov/business/minority-business/minority-business-assistance-centers
- Home | PA Business One-Stop Shop
- Minority & Women’s Business Development | Empire State Development
- Certification | NAWBO National
On average, how long does the certification process take place when the business owner is responsive?
Once a complete package has been submitted, the review and approval could be 30 days – 90 days. This timing is dependent on the certification being applied for.
About the author:
Martha Seidenwand
VP, Impressia Bank
Reach out:
Equal Housing Lender