Sales & Contracting Opportunities
For Women & Minority Owned Businesses
Did you know that there are revenue and income opportunities set aside just for women and minority owned businesses? This includes government contracts, RFP’s, and more! Here you can learn about how to find and obtain those opportunities, and about government programs you can register for.
Certifications & Contracting Programs to Consider
General Small Business
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
HubZone Certification
Minority-Owned Business
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Women-Owned Business
Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)
Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
Veteran-Owned Business
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Environmental Certifications
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
B-Corp Certification (Socially & Environmentally responsible)
Other Programs
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
SBA Mentor-Protege Program
LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
Applying for Certifications & Programs
1. Research and Select Certifications: Identify which certifications are most relevant to your business needs and goals. Check eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify.
2. Gather Required Documents, which often include:
- Business plan: Detailed plan outlining your business goals, market analysis, and strategies.
- Financial statements: Recent profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- Tax returns: Copies of your business’s most recent tax returns.
- Proof of ownership: Documents verifying the ownership structure of your business (e.g., articles of incorporation, partnership agreements).
- Additional Documents: Any other documents specific to the certification, such as evidence of minority ownership for MBE certification or proof of service-connected disability for SDVOSB certification.
3. Complete Application Forms: Fill out the required forms for each certification. This may be done online or via mail, depending on the certifying body.
4. Prepare a Compelling Narrative: Write a statement or narrative explaining your business, its goals, and how the certification will benefit your operations.
5. Submit Application and Fees: Submit your application along with any required fees. Double-check for completeness and accuracy.
6. Follow Up: Track your application status and be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Application Tips
Follow Instructions Carefully
Ensure you adhere to the specific guidelines provided by the certifying body. This includes format, required documents, and submission methods.
Be Thorough and Accurate
Incomplete or inaccurate applications can lead to delays or rejections. Double-check all information before submission.
Seek Professional Assistance
Consider hiring a consultant or using resources from organizations like the SBA or SCORE to help with the application process.
Stay Organized
Keep copies of all submitted documents and correspondence for future reference.
Highlight Unique Value
Clearly articulate how your business stands out and the benefits of certifying your business.
Contracting Programs & Organizations
Supplier Diversity Programs
Many large corporations have supplier diversity programs aimed at doing business with minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and small businesses. Becoming a certified diverse supplier can open up many doors.
Below is a list of Supplier Diversity Programs. Take a look and see which ones fit your business the best!