The rise of women/minority-owned business certification programs comes from the resounding benefits that arise from companies embracing a diversity strategy — increased profitability, greater innovation, beneficial partnerships. That’s why both government and private businesses are making intentional efforts in looking to partner with companies that have these kinds of certifications. Within these partnerships, new opportunities await everyone involved. It’s a true win-win.
As a woman-owned business in NYC, we have been awarded 5 notable certifications:
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
WBENC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs. The organization’s mission is to increase economic growth globally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses.
WBENC is also an approved Third Party Certifier for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program. This certification enables us to work on federally funded projects and with federal agencies, such as the FAA.
NYC Small Business Services Certification (SBS)
SBS was created to enable economic security for NYC by creating stronger NY businesses that help neighborhoods thrive. This agency encourages NYC agencies to buy more goods and services from certified businesses. They also help certified businesses receive access to mentors to learn best practices, invitations to networking events to meet peers and grow support, and businesses looking to partner directly with certified businesses — all in order to drive economic growth for the entire City.
Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE)
M/WBE was created to address historic disparities in New York City contracting and provide minority and women entrepreneurs increased opportunities to do business with the City. The program expands opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs to access government contracts and grow their businesses. When eligible businesses are certified with the City, they become more visible to prospective buyers, including City agencies and private contractors seeking to purchase goods and services.
The Port Authority Minority, Women, Small, and Disadvantaged Owned Businesses Certification (MWSDBE)
Part of the Port Authority Diversity Management Program, the MWSDBE certification connects their projects to MWSDBEs who play a critical role in running the world’s largest airport system, the East Coast’s biggest seaport, and the region’s most active bridges, tunnels, and terminals. With a capital plan $32.2 billion, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey requires the help of regional businesses to keep the City moving.
These certifications are another reason for public and private agencies to choose BlackHawk Data as their trusted, and certified, solution provider.
About BlackHawk Data
BlackHawk Data is focused on delivering the best solutions for their customers from design to support. We ensure that every solution not only is the best on day one, but for the life of the system. With the BlackHawk Data deploy and support model, the customer avoids the pitfall of only installing solutions that can be supported with their staff’s current knowledge, instead of the best available.