Businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, or any group that is underrepresented must obtain certification as a diverse supplier. It creates opportunities for new businesses to enhance their brand image and gives visibility. Here is why getting certified is crucial:
- Access More Opportunities: Major companies and government agencies have supplier diversity programs that have set forth specific spend targets for diverse suppliers. Getting certified gives you the chance to participate in such programs, so you will have increased access to contracts and business opportunities otherwise not available.
- Increased Credibility: Certification also establishes ownership, recognizing that your business is diverse. It confirms that your business is vetted and certified by qualified certifying agencies hence putting your business in line to become integral suppliers for organizations seeking to diversify thier suppliers.
- Networking and Partnership Opportunities: A diverse supplier certificate allows you to be connected to networking opportunities, training, and matchmaking opportunities offered through certification organizations, company associates, and government departments. These will give you useful contacts for the development of your business.
- Business Development Resources: Certification agencies offer support to help certified suppliers develop and expand their business-oriented endeavors. It is a source of tremendous assistance when it comes to guiding you on how to find potential clients or partners on the procurement platform.
- Competitive Advantage: Today many organizations are looking to diversify their supply chain because certified diverse suppliers have a competitive edge. This can therefore be seen as commitment to diversity and inclusion and making business meet some of the standards most firms would consider today.
How to Get Certified?
There are various agencies that provide certification for diverse suppliers. Below is a list of recognized certification organizations:
1.National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): This organization certifies minority-owned businesses (MBEs) and offers access to a large network of corporate members and procurement opportunities.
– Website: [NMSDC](https://www.nmsdc.org/)
2.Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): WBENC provides certification for women-owned businesses (WBEs) and connects them to a strong network of corporations and resources.
– Website: [WBENC](https://www.wbenc.org/)
3.U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a): The Business Development Program assists socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in accessing government contracting opportunities
– Website: [SBA 8(a) Program](https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program)
4.Disability:IN: This organization certifies disability-owned businesses (DOBEs), including those owned by service-disabled and veteran individuals, and helps connect them with companies looking for diverse suppliers.
– Website: [Disability:IN](https://disabilityin.org/)
5.National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC): Certifies LGBTQ+-owned businesses (LGBTBEs) and provides access to corporate partners and procurement opportunities.
– Website: [NGLCC](https://www.nglcc.org/)
6.Veteran-Owned Certifications: National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) : Offers certification for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
– Website: [NVBDC](https://nvbdc.org/)
7.Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Vets First Verification Program: Provides certification for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to help them access government contracts.
– Website: [VA Vets First Verification Program] (https://www.va.gov/osdbu/verification/)
8.HUBZone Program (SBA): Certifies businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) to enable access to federal procurement opportunities.
– Website: [SBA HUBZone](https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program)
Are You Ready to Get Certified?
Having diverse supplier certification is a significant step that can help the company pave the way to new contracts and gain a competitive edge in today’s business world. It lets you get in touch with a pool of prospective customers, associates, providers, and solutions that are built for your enterprise’s success.
Rahul Asthana has a PhD in Operations Management from the Anderson School at UCLA. He has 25 years of experience in supply chain management, starting his career in IBM working in supply chain operations. He then moved into product management and product marketing of supply chain software while at SAP and Oracle. He manages product strategy and product management at Gainfront. In terms of hobbies outside of work, he really enjoys tennis. Follow Rahul Asthana on Linkedin!