Getting certified as a women owned small business can open up many doors and lead to more business opportunities. Many large organizations specifically look to work with women owned businesses, especially those that are publicly owned. A woman owned small business certification can also help your organization win state, local and federal government contracts. Government agencies allot a certain percentage of their business to women owned companies. For example, by statute, the U.S. federal government awards 5% of its contracting dollars specifically to women owned businesses. Taking the time to get certified as a women owned small business is worthwhile.
How to Qualify as a Women-Owned Small Business
To qualify as a women-owned business, your organization must be owned, managed and controlled by a woman or women. She must hold the highest officer position in the organization. She must also work a the business full-time. Others may own the business with her, but she must be the majority owner and ultimately be responsible for the management and control of the company.
How Do You Get Certified as a Woman Owned Business?
This starts with providing certain documentation to our office which we will then submit on your behalf to the certifying entity. We will need proof of the ownership of your business. This could be documentation from the Corporation Commission or internal documents. We have used things like operating agreements, bylaws and stock certificates to demonstrate who the business owner is. We will also need identification to show that you really are the business owner. You must also be a citizen of the United States. Therefore, we will request a copy of your birth certificate or passport. We will also need to submit information about the business owner demonstrating her professional work in the industry. If you do not have these items, Windrose Law Center PLC, do not worry! We can help you ensure that you have the proof required to get certified.
What to Do After You are Certified as a Women-Owned Business?
After you are certified, market this accomplishment far and wide! Put this on your website and other marketing materials. Your customers will love to hear about it!
If you are interested in getting certified as a women-owned business, please call Windrose Law Center PLC at: 602-457-1846 so we can talk through the process.