Are you looking for a competitive edge for your business? Interested in government contracting opportunities? Certification may be the answer.
Certification should be considered a tool in your business toolbox. As a certified firm, certification may help your business acquire new opportunities and business either in the public or private sector. Many companies and government agencies are required to work with a certain number of certified businesses and could provide an edge when competing on a project or contract opportunity. Whether your business is product based or service based, certification can help open doors on opportunities that otherwise may not be accessible.
Certifications
What are business certifications?
Many business owners are unaware of certifications and the potential benefits that a business can receive through certification. As a business owner, understanding the benefits of business certification may be the “secret sauce” to increasing sales and revenue for your company.
What are the benefits of certification?
One of the key benefits is providing an edge to your business when seeking contracts. Many businesses and municipalities have a specific number of contracts, either in dollars or percentages they need to award to certified firms. Obtaining certification is the only way to gain access to these contracts that are exclusively available and set aside to certified firms and can also limit competition. There are intangible benefits from resources and mentorship programs, to workshops, seminars and national conferences.
Certifications also serve as a valuable marketing tool as many governments and corporations have databases that include all firms which larger companies utilize to find certified firms to do business with.
What are the types of certifications?
There are various types of certification programs. Whether a business is woman owned, minority owned or veteran owned, there are certifications that are specific based on gender, ethnicity or as a veteran. There are also other certifications that are government specific whether a company is looking to do business on the local, state or federal level.
The Federal government is the largest procurer/buyer of goods and services in the United States. If your business is looking to do business with the federal government, then certifications like the 8(a) program or the WOSB/EDWOSB certification programs could provide the greatest benefit. Companies that have these certifications can benefit from preferential treatment when federal government agencies are seeking vendors and suppliers to do business with.
Many businesses provide goods and services that would benefit local and state governments. There are state and local specific certifications that may be beneficial. It depends on where your business is located and/or what cities or states you are looking to do business with. Each locale is different.
Business certifications such as the WBENC and the NMSDC can help companies that are targeting commercial clients. The main benefit of these certification programs is that they provide nationwide coverage. If your company is targeting commercial clients throughout the United States, then these third party certifications would provide the greatest benefit to your company.
The certification process can be overwhelming. Our team will meet with you and discuss your growth plan. Who are the companies you are looking to do business with? Do you have a capability statement? We will assist with the documentation requirements and the certification package submission.
