There has been growing support to empower women economically by recognizing woman-owned businesses so that they can be competitive and successful across many different industries. For many women, running a business today offers unique advantages as woman-owned firms are in demand by offering supplier diversity.
If you are a woman-owned business and want to work with major corporations or the federal government, it can be advantageous to go through the certification process.
Metro Offices, a company offering office space in Washington DC and the surrounding area, shares three advantages of having your woman-owned businesses certified:
Support
Proper credentials are attractive to any trade. A certification is your ticket to the world of prospective partners and investors. As you meet many potential clients and business partners, you’ll have an easier time putting your products on the shelves of some of the largest retail stores in the country.
Growth
After becoming certified, you need to be active in your industry. Get the word out by contacting local, state, and national certification agencies and have your company included in their mailing lists. When government agencies and companies release RFPs (requests for proposals) through various organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, an e-mail blast will be sent out about any upcoming project opportunities. Certified businesses can take advantage of this opportunity to find new business.
Distinction
Having certification helps your business stand out in your industry. Once the word is out about your certified woman-owned enterprise, you can gain access to a wider set of potential customers.
Some certifications offered by the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce™ (USWCC) are:
- USWCC Federal – Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- USWCC Federal – Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Program (EDWOSB)
- USWCC – Federal Women’s Business Enterprise™ (FWBE)
- USWCC – International Women’s Business Enterprise™ (IWBE)
- USWCC – National Women’s Business Enterprise™ (NWBE)
Certifying your business will help open many doors for you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re managing a business that has been in the industry for a long time or a start-up with a small Washington, DC office space.
When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, think about getting certification and having an office space that adapts to your business’s changing needs. Let Metro Offices know where you want to take your business, and our experts will help you get there. Give us a call to learn more about the services we offer.