Byline: Nicole Hudson Career Mastered Magazine Contributor
A women-owned business certification could benefit your business in a big way. Although it doesn’t increase your revenue immediately, WBE certification can facilitate your businesses’ growth by boosting your visibility, credibility and connection to other like-minded business owners. Are you considering becoming a WBENC certified business? If your answer is yes, but you’re reluctant to take that next step, here are a few reasons that may help nudge you to start the process.
What does it mean to be WBENC certified?
To become certified by the women’s business enterprise national council, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women. A WBENC certification is widely recognized. It’s a helpful marketing tool for many women entrepreneurs and business owners who want to grow their business. Michelle Richards, the founding executive director of the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, says, “Used correctly, WBE certification is a game changer for women-owned businesses.” This rigorous and highly sought after certification gives women-owned businesses a leg up in today’s competitive market.
Opportunities for growth
Becoming WBENC certified paves the way for small business growth. Many corporations want to work with women-owned businesses in order to diversify their contacts. With certification, you’ll gain access to a national database of corporations that are seeking out women-owned businesses. You’ll also gain access to networking events meant to facilitate relationships between major corporations and other women-owned businesses.
Credibility
WBENC certification comes with a certain level of credibility and status. Women-owned businesses that have become officially certified are able to show off their status by using the WBE seal and the Women Owned Logo on your business marketing materials. These days, credibility goes a long way when you’re trying to make a name for yourself in the business world and even on social media. You can add the logo to your website, proposals, business cards, packaging, signage, and pretty much anything else you can think of that would help promote your business.
Education
Certification grants you access to exclusive resources that are specifically created to help you succeed. Education and development are necessary for growth, and your WBENC certification includes curated programs, seminars and even mentorship programs that are meant to help you and your business thrive.
Community support
Being a business owner can be isolating at times. And connection with other people who understand your pain points is essential for growth and success. As a WBENC certified business, you automatically become part of a network of like-minded women who want to see you succeed. You’ll be able to connect with fellow female entrepreneurs around the country, participate in forums, and meet in person at national and regional events. Monica Kang, founder and CEO of Innovators Box, a WBENC certified business, says, “I have befriended many incredible mentors, allies, clients, and colleagues through this community… At each event, I walk away with deepened friendships and new business knowledge that help me achieve my company’s mission of unlocking creativity worldwide.” As the saying goes, no one achieves anything alone, and community support is essential to ensure the growth of all women-owned businesses.
WBENC certification is an important marketing tool for women-owned businesses looking to expand and grow. If growth, education and connection is a goal for you and your business, WBE certification is definitely worth pursuing.
