Celebrating Our WBENC Certification: A Step Towards Diversity

In a world where diversity isn’t just a buzzword but a business imperative, our team has reached a significant milestone. We’re thrilled to announce our recent Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification. This addition enriches our growing list of recognitions, which includes SBA WOSB, SBA EDWOSB, NMSDC, Washington's OWMBE, and Delaware's OSD certifications.

What These Certifications Represent

But what do these letters and acronyms really mean? And why should you, as a client, partner, or fellow business owner, care about them? Let me take you on a personal journey through these certifications and share why they matter—not just for our business, but for creating a more inclusive economy.

Understanding Each Certification

Each certification we've earned tells a part of our story as a diverse business:

WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council): Our newest badge of honor certifies that our business is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by women. WBENC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners.

SBA WOSB (Small Business Administration Women-Owned Small Business): This federal certification acknowledges our status as a women-owned small business. It gives us access to compete for federal contracts set aside for WOSBs.

SBA EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business): This recognizes women business owners who have historically faced economic challenges. It helps level the playing field for us.

NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council): This certification confirms that our business is at least 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled. It connects us with corporate America and public sector organizations seeking to diversify their supply chains.

Washington's OWMBE (Office of Women and Minority Business Enterprises): At the state level, this certification recognizes our status as both a women and minority-owned business in Washington state.

Delaware's OSD (Office of Supplier Diversity): This state-level certification helps us connect with procurement opportunities in Delaware as a diverse business.

The Real Impact of Certification

I remember sitting at my kitchen table years ago, dreaming of building a marketing agency that would reflect the diverse world we live in. As a woman and minority business owner, I faced closed doors and skeptical looks. Each certification we've earned has been more than just a piece of paper—it’s a validation of our journey and a key that opens doors previously locked to businesses like ours.

Our team is comprised of diverse women with decades of collective experience in marketing and advertising. We've all faced moments where our abilities were questioned simply because of who we are. These certifications ensure that our expertise speaks louder than any bias.

Why These Certifications Matter for Every Stakeholder

The impact of these certifications extends far beyond our business.

For Clients and Partners

When you work with a diverse, certified business like ours, you gain access to fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. This comes from our varied backgrounds. Harvard Business Review research shows that diverse teams are 45% more likely to report growth in market share and 70% more likely to capture new markets.

I recall a client who initially approached us to meet their supplier diversity goals. They stayed because our team's unique perspectives helped them access market segments they'd previously struggled to connect with. Our diverse experiences allowed us to see opportunities others had missed.

For the Economy

The numbers tell a compelling story. Women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion in revenue annually and employ over 10 million people. Meanwhile, minority-owned businesses contribute over $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy each year. Supporting certified diverse businesses helps create a more resilient economy where opportunities are distributed more equitably.

For Innovation

Diversity drives innovation. When people with different life experiences collaborate, they bring varied perspectives to problem-solving. In our marketing agency, this translates to campaigns that resonate with broader audiences. It results in strategies that consider viewpoints that might otherwise be overlooked.

One of our team members often shares how her experience as a first-generation American helps her create messaging that connects authentically with multicultural audiences. Clients consistently praise this as giving them a competitive edge.

The Path to Certification

I won’t sugarcoat it—earning these certifications isn’t easy. Each one requires extensive documentation, site visits, and interviews. The process can take months, and maintaining certifications calls for annual reviews and updates.

However, this rigorous verification process ensures that only legitimately diverse businesses receive these designations. It protects the integrity of supplier diversity programs and ensures that opportunities reach the businesses they were designed to support.

How These Certifications Create Meaningful Change

Certifications create a positive cycle for diversity in business:

1. Breaking into new networks: Certifications have connected us with corporations and government agencies committed to supplier diversity.

2. Mentorship and growth: Many organizations provide business development resources and networking opportunities that help diverse businesses scale.

3. Paying it forward: As we grow, we prioritize working with other diverse suppliers. This creates a multiplier effect that strengthens the entire ecosystem.

4. Changing perceptions: Every successful project we complete challenges stereotypes about women and minority-owned businesses.

5. Inspiring the next generation: When young women and minorities see businesses like ours succeeding, it opens their eyes to what's possible for their futures.

   
   

Building True Inclusion

While certifications open doors, what happens after we walk through them truly matters. Our team brings decades of experience and proven expertise in marketing and communications. We’ve built our reputation on delivering exceptional results, innovative thinking, and strategic insights.

Our diverse perspectives aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re our superpower. When developing campaigns, our varied backgrounds help us anticipate how messages will resonate across different communities. This avoids costly missteps and helps identify opportunities others might miss.

The Business Case for Diversity

As we celebrate our newest certification, we remember that the business case for diversity grows stronger every day. Companies with diverse suppliers are better positioned to:

• Connect with increasingly diverse customer bases

• Drive innovation through fresh perspectives

• Enhance brand reputation among socially conscious consumers

• Create resilient supply chains that support local communities

• Comply with evolving regulatory requirements around diversity

  
  

Join Us in Creating a More Inclusive Economy

Our certifications represent a milestone and a mission. They recognize how far we’ve come and remind us of the work still to be done to create equal opportunity in business.

Whether you’re a potential client looking to diversify your supplier base, a partner interested in collaboration, or a fellow diverse business owner considering certification, I hope our journey inspires you. Together, we can build a more inclusive economy where businesses of all backgrounds can thrive.

After all, when diverse businesses succeed, we all win.

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