

The market for small businesses is more competitive than ever, which can make things especially difficult for business owners who face added struggles because of their gender, economic status, disability, or location. A business certification is one key way to use your differences to your advantage. Companies with specific business certifications can receive additional — and often exclusive — business opportunities, as well as several other benefits.
There are two categories of certifications: those from government agencies, and private sector organizations. Both types of certifications promote growth for business owners in underrepresented groups.
Government branches and private companies both set aside a certain amount of contracts for businesses with these certifications to ensure supplier diversity. Meaning, these organizations want to be sure that the outside contractors they use are a diverse group of people. The rule of thumb to qualify for both types of certifications is your business must be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more underrepresented individuals who are US citizens, varying based on the type of certification.
Certifying your business doesn't happen overnight — but it's worth the time investment. Intimidated by the lengthy process, small business owners tend to overlook the opportunities that become available through certification. But if you are a business owner who belongs to an underrepresented group, you absolutely should find out if you are eligible for certification.
There are scores of certifications available with various added benefits. Don't be deterred by the work that goes into applying for the certification. Once the process is over, you have a tool in your back pocket to compete with larger, more established companies for better, higher paying clients.
Watch our fireside chat with Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO and Co-founder of WEConnect, to hear about the benefits of certifying your business as a diverse-owned enterprise. Elizabeth walks us through the process and the business case for supplier diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the US. You can view some of our other virtual chats here.
Establish a relationship with your local SBA to receive advice and direction throughout the business certification application process.