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If your company is at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or a member of an ethnic minority group, and has been in business for at least a year, it may be eligible for certification. While certification qualifies companies to participate in corporate and government supplier diversity programs, it does not automatically help a business get its foot in the door, with immediate access to exclusive contracts.
The following resources in the New York City metro area can help you get your business certified, as well as connect you with opportunities after certification.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) opens the door for businesses to connect with hundreds of corporations, which turn to the organization to find women-owned businesses to satisfy their diversity programs. Through its partner organization, the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO), your company can gain access to contracts with more than 800 of the Fortune 1000 companies, nonprofit organizations, and many local, state, and federal agencies. Not only does the program help you navigate the certification process, the WBENC also offers certified businesses informational webinars and support networks through an extensive database of other certified WBEs.
wpeo.us/certification.html or wbenc.org
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), with two locations in New York, provides minority-owned firms support and guidance during their certification process. The organization provides CEOs of minority-owned businesses with training and technical assistance to optimize their certification status. It also hosts business opportunity fairs, which give minority entrepreneurs the chance to introduce themselves to countless prospective corporate buyers in a short time span. In some cases, the NMSDC offers certified minority businesses working capital loans and longer-term financing through special programs.
The Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program, run by the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), offers women- and minority-owned companies multiple opportunities once they become certified. The program customizes assistance through procurement counselors who reach out to certified companies to get to know their business needs. M/WBE hosts networking events to introduce these businesses to agency buyers and provides them with coaching services.
For additional resources, visit the following sites:
National Women Business Owners Corporation
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Marina Koren is the editorial intern at The New York Enterprise Report. She can be reached at mkoren@nyreport.com.
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