What Are The Certifications?
Different Certifications Have Different Acronyms. For Example:
WBE = Women Business Enterprise
MBE = Minority Business Enterprise
VBE = Veteran Business Enterprise
VOSB/SDVOSB – Veteran Owned/Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
LGBTE = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Enterprise
DOBE – Disability Owned Business Enterprise
WOSB = Woman Owned Small Business
DBE = Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
SBE= Small Business Enterprise
States and Cities may have other certification acronyms including combining them, such as WMBE or M/WBE, etc.
This is not a comprehensive list, but meant to give you an idea of what you and your company may pursue, if you qualify.
What Is MBE Certification?
MBE stands for Minority Business Enterprise certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by members of a recognized SBA “ethnic minority” group. MBE certification is provided by various organizations that are approved on the national and state level. Receiving a MBE certification is accepted by thousands of companies and will give access to enormous government budgets and nationally recognized corporations required to purchase from minority-owned businesses. MBE Certification is an essential marketing tool for expanding visibility among decision-makers in supply chain diversity and procurement.
What Is DOT DBE Certification?
DOT DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. This certification is provided by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and is required for certain federal contracts.
What Is WOSB Certification?
WOSB stands for Women-Owned Small Business Certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women. WOSB certification is provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and is required for certain federal contracts.
What Is VBE Certification?
VBE stands for Veteran Business Enterprise certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans of the US military. VBE certification is provided by various organizations.
What Is WBE Certification?
WBE stands for Women’s Business Enterprise certification. It is a designation given to businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women. This program was created to help female business owners by awarding contracts within specific industries where females are underrepresented. WBE certification is provided by various organizations on the national and state level. Certification is accepted by thousands of corporations and government agencies, your WBE certification is an essential marketing tool for expanding visibility among decision-makers in supply chain diversity and procurement.
Which Certification Is Right For Me And My Company?
For entrepreneurs, finding the right resources, networks and contracts can make a huge difference when it comes to finding success. To certify your business, we must first determine which certification(s) your company may be eligible for. Getting your business certified will help open the doors to these opportunities and countless others in many different private and public sectors. Business certifications come with various resources and support that will help your company stand out among competitors. At Premier Certification Services we help clients determine the best certification path for your organization to maximize your business opportunities. The best way to decide is to determine what certification or certifications are accepted by your current clients. If you are going after a different vertical or diversifying your clients as part of your marketing strategy, you may opt to pursue a specific Certification to meet the needs of this new market. Though the process of certifying your business (and maintaining certification) may seem lengthy, many entrepreneurs find the benefits of certification well worth the time spent to then allow access to industry events, government contracts, networking opportunities, and more can help your business reach its fullest potential.
What Type Of Certifications Are Available For Companies?
Obtaining the correct business certifications for your enterprise is crucial in order to gain easy access to both government and corporate contracts. Certification provides your business with a nationally-recognized and highly-respected status that makes your company stand out against marketplace competition for elite and distinguished clients. At Premier Certification Services, we not only ensure that you’re applying for the right business certifications, but we also help you identify additional opportunities along the way.
Different types of certifications include:
National – Typically required by publicly traded companies to meet Supplier Diversity Programs
Federal – Requires SAM registration and includes sole source contracts
DOT – Roadways, Highways, Bridges, Airports and Airport Concessions
State – Some, but not all, States have Certifications for Women and/or Minorities
Local – Some Counties and Cities have a local certification process