Becoming certified

Certification programs can help you market your business to both large business and governments.  Many large corporations and governmental entities set-aside a percentage of their purchasing contracts for small businesses, minority and/or women owned businesses. Becoming “certified” as one or more of these types of businesses enables a company to bid on contracting opportunities. MWBE.com offers a description of certification.

Many large corporations accept certification through third parties, such as the Mid America Minority Business Development Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Most government entities will require a company to at least go through a streamlined or shortened verification process that is specific to that agency. Certification can take from 30-90 days.