women-owned business certification

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THAT AS A WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS YOU CAN GET CERTIFICATION THROUGH THE STATE AND THROUGH OTHER THIRD PARTY ORGANIZATIONS. BEING CERTIFIED AS A WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS CAN HELP GAIN ACCESS TO CERTAIN RESOURCES SUCH AS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AND FEDERAL CONTRACTS. LET’S BREAK IT DOWN.

certification in the state of ma

In the state of Massachusetts, The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office has the responsibility to assure that state programs expend a portion of their funds for goods and services with businesses that have been certified as Minority Business Enterprise (MBEs), Women Business Enterprise (WBEs) or qualified as small business companies. Learn more about certification benefits by clicking here. If you determine that certification through the SDO would benefit your company you can apply for diversity certification as a women-owned business through mass.gov. You’ll be required to register for a pre-certification workshop which is currently being conducted as a webinar. After the workshop you’ll receive further instruction on how to submit your application along with a pin showing that you attended the workshop. From here you simply follow the directions to submit your application online.

self certification and third-party certification

The federal government aims to award a minimum of 5% of all contracting dollars to women-owned businesses each year, with certain contracts being set aside for woman-owned businesses that are economically disadvantaged.

By obtaining a woman-owned business certification, you will have access to federal contracts and the economic resources that can help your company grow. This can be done through either a self-certification or third-party certification process. Neither is preferred by governing bodies; it is your personal preference on how to obtain certification.

Self certification is free and you can apply via the Small Business Administration. You need an active registration in the system for award management as well as a number of documents such as articles of organization for your business and tax documents.

Alternatively, you can obtain your WOSB certification through approved third-party organizations (specific requirements and associated fees will vary by organization):

Once you are certified, you will need to provide proof of your third-party certification to the SBA by uploading your current certificate and joint venture agreement (if applicable).