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Did you know that several companies and government agencies allot a certain number of projects/portion of their budget for contracts that can only go to woman-owned businesses? Those contracts include everything from military projects to public works and information technologies. When it comes to securing those choice contracts, the only eligible businesses are those that are certified as woman-owned. You can’t just show up and say, “I’m a woman with a business.” You have to first go through an arduous process and achieve certification, either through a third party or a government agency.

What you need to get certified.

The thing that surprises people most about the certification process is the scope and volume of documentation required. Not only do you need to prove the validity of the business, but you also need to prove your eligibility personally as the business owner. Copies of everything from articles of incorporation to birth certificates are required. You’ll want to check with the specific agency through whom you are seeking certification for a complete list of documents needed. Here is a sample list of the documents required to help you get started.

Types of certification.

The types of contracts you want to acquire dictate the type of certification you will want to secure. If you want government contracts you will need to secure certification through the government agency at the appropriate level (city, state, federal). If you are only interested in private sector contracts then you can seek certification through a non-governmental organization such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)  or the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC). Of course you can seek more than one level of certification. This way you are not limited only to government or private sector contracts.

The process.

Once you have gathered all of your documents and submitted them to the appropriate agency your application will go before a committee for review. After they receive your application and all the necessary documents they will conduct an in-person interview at your place of business, which is weighed along with all of your supporting documentation. The visit is to ensure that what is in your documents is true in your business. Once the interview is complete the committee will meet again to make a decision.

If for some reason your application is denied, most agencies give you 30 days to challenge or respond. Sometimes an application is denied because there was some discrepancy or error in your documentation. The 30 day window gives you time to correct the mistake.

Additional Resources

In addition to the resources available on the WBENC and NWBOC websites you can learn more about woman-owned business certification from the following outlets: SBA Office of Government Contracting and WomenBiz.gov.

Getting your certification as a woman-owned business will open many doors for your business. Yes it may be a long and difficult process, but since few are willing to complete the process the number of contracts waiting on the other end are plenty. Plus, you always want to do everything you can to set your business up for success and secure as many advantages as you can. Certification is one way to gain an advantage over your competition.

A few weeks ago we shared the success story of Camille Rose on this blog. She’s an entrepreneur who has started and run several successful businesses, and she credits her belief in the importance of a business plan, and the power of positive thinking, as keys to her success.

With a strong passion for startups in general, and specifically those started and run by women, Camille operates a consulting firm called Pink Purse Ventures. Her goal is to help other women realize the dream of business ownership.

On May 15, Camille will be leading a seminar called “Your Business Plan is Like a Bra… it supports your every move,” in Walnut Creek, California. According to Camille, whether you’re a startup looking for a bank loan or a business that’s already up and running but looking to grow, “business planning allows you to accomplish these goals.” One seminar participant will win a copy of Business Plan Pro, to assist them on the planning process.

For more information about Pink Purse Ventures, or to register for the seminar, check out www.pinkpurse.org.

It’s heartening to be able to pass on a success story. On Monday, 22 December KVAL TV in Eugene reported on the success of Sweet Skins, a minority women owned eco-clothing company which sews and sells women’s clothing made from organic fibers, and eco-fleece (made from recycled 2-liter soda bottles) wraps and hoodies.

The KVAL story, Down economy may open doors for entrepreneurs, also notes Lane MicroBusiness, a non-profit microenterprise development organization, which “holds free classes and grants loans to give micro-enterprise companies a chance to make it.”

I’m glad to see that small businesses are prospering, and that there are still organizations out there supporting local entrepreneurs. Thanks to KVAL News for reporting on this encouraging success.

Steve Lange
Senior Editor
Palo Alto Software