3 Reasons to Grow Your Business with Business Certifications
As a small business owner, it’s important to take advantage of the different opportunities available to you, including business certifications and socioeconomic designations. These strategic tools are critical in increasing your competitive advantage. Business certifications may include the following, along with additional certification opportunities:
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Black-Owned Business Enterprise (BBE)
Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WOSB)
Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VOSB)
LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
If you’re interested in exploring certification, check out these three (3) reasons to start working on obtaining your business certifications today! Notice, I said “start” working on it because it’s a PROCESS!
Validation of Expertise
Business certification validates a company’s expertise by signifying its dedication to specific standards of quality and excellence. Certifying agencies often require businesses to submit documentation, such as recent contracts, references, multiple-year revenue records, and other relevant information, to demonstrate their experience and competence in their field. This thorough validation process supports the business's reputation for expertise and competence.
Access to Procurement Opportunities
Many state, Federal, and corporate agencies have established set-aside programs with goals of awarding contracts to certified businesses. Set-aside programs designate specific procurement opportunities that are only accessible to certified businesses. For instance, my marketing agency, 628 Digital Design, was awarded a Federal Government contract that was set aside for a WOSB. Without certification, we would be ineligible for this contract. These agencies also provide opportunities to meet and network with procurement opportunities with buying organizations through in-person and virtual matchmakers, lunch-and-learns, and other events.
Networking and Collaboration
Networking with other certified businesses is important to building your professional networks. Attending conferences, networking events, workshops, and other events will put you in rooms with people you need to meet to elevate your business. These events are opportunities to foster and develop valuable relationships, partnerships, and collaborative networks. I actually met my first business mentor at a WBENC Metro NY lunch-and-learn.
Certifications enhance your business credentials, elevate your brand, and help you expand your networks. If you’re starting out, I recommend obtaining your state certifications first. These are usually free or inexpensive. This will give you experience in:
Gathering and storing necessary documents
Navigating online certification portals
Understanding certification requirements
After state certifications, check out Federal Government certifications. Although these are free, they typically require more documentation and information than state certifications. Lastly, work on your national business certifications with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), and others. These organizations certify your business at the national level as a Women Business Enterprise (MBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (WBE) and require a financial investment. Also, if you identify as Black or African American, visit the ByBlack website for your free Black-owned certification.
Navigating business certifications can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! I’m here to help. Let’s schedule a consultation to chat about which certifications are right for you.
