Business Certifications Guide for Small Business Owners.
Business Certifications Guide for Small Business Owners.
Unlocking Opportunities with Business Certifications
If you’re a small business owner from an underrepresented group, you could be eligible for valuable business certifications that boost your access to government contracts and private-sector ventures. Certifications for groups like women, minorities, LGBTQ entrepreneurs, and more foster supplier diversity, offering unique resources and networks to expand your business
horizons. If you’re eligible, here’s a rundown of these certifications and how to get started.
Who Offers Business Certifications?
Several organizations provide business certifications for diverse small business owners:
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers programs like the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), HUBZone, and 8(a) Business Development Program to make your business eligible for specific government contracts.
- Minority-Centered Organizations: Groups like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) provide certifications to help minority entrepreneurs secure private sector opportunities.
- Other Government and Industry Organizations: State and city governments offer certifications for local contracts.
Why Pursue Certification?
Business certifications come with various perks to help your company shine and grow:
- Access to Contracts: Government and private sector organizations set aside contracts for certified businesses to promote equal opportunities.
- Joint Ventures: Certification often allows you to partner with other certified businesses to compete for contracts.
- Management and Technical Assistance: Many programs offer support to help your business thrive.
Types of Business Certifications:
Here’s a brief overview of some well-known certifications:
- 8(a) Small Business Certification: Designed to create equal opportunities for socially or economically disadvantaged small business owners, providing access to government contracts.
- HUBZone Business Certification: Awards at least 3% of federal contract dollars to businesses in historically underutilized areas.
- Women-Owned Business Certifications: Groups like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) which supports female business owners with integration into public and private sectors.
- Minority-Owned Business Certification: Offered by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, it helps integrate minority businesses into the public and private sectors.
- B Corp Certification: Recognizes for-profit businesses with a social mission and positiveimpact on employees, communities, and the environment.
- Veteran-Owned Business Certification: Provides opportunities for businesses owned by U.S. Armed Forces veterans.
- LGBT Business Certification: Supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in accessing contracting opportunities.
- Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification: Allows businesses to self-represent as small, disadvantaged businesses for federal contracts.
Resources:
- SBA – https://www.sba.gov/
- WOSB certification information – https://wosb.certify.sba.gov/
- HUBZone – https://www.sba.gov/hubzone-program
Small Disadvantaged Business –https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/small-disadvantaged-business
8(a) Business Development program – https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting- assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program
NMSDC – https://nmsdc.org
WBENC – https://wbenc.org
B Corp certification – https://bcorporation.net
LGBTQ+ Business Certification – https://nglcc.org/lgbtbe-certification/
MA LGBT Chamber of Commerce –https://malgbtcc.org
Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) – https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/
