Shattering Glass Ceilings in the Startup World: How WOSB Certification Can Give Your Consulting Business the Boost it Needs

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Are you a woman-owned consulting business struggling to break into the male-dominated startup world? Do you find it difficult to secure contracts or funding? If so, you’re not alone. Women-owned businesses face numerous challenges in the business world, including discrimination and a lack of resources. However, there is a solution that can help you overcome these obstacles and take your consulting business to the next level: WOSB certification.

In this article, we’ll explore how WOSB certification can give your consulting business the boost it needs to shatter glass ceilings and thrive in the startup world.

Introduction to WOSB Certification

“My hope for the future, not just in the music industry, but in every young girl I meet, is that they all realize their worth and ask for it.”

Taylor Swift

First, let’s define what WOSB certification is. WOSB stands for Women-Owned Small Business, and it’s a certification program offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The program helps women-owned businesses compete for federal contracts by setting aside a certain percentage of contracts specifically for WOSBs. To be eligible for WOSB certification, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Women-Owned Businesses

“Women must learn to play the game as men do.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Women-owned businesses face numerous challenges in the business world.

For example, studies have shown that women-owned businesses receive less funding than male-owned businesses, despite having similar or better performance metrics.

Women-owned businesses also face discrimination and bias, which can make it difficult to secure contracts or partnerships.

Additionally, women-owned businesses often have less access to resources and networks than their male counterparts. This can hinder their growth and success.

The Benefits of WOSB Certification for Consulting Businesses

Fortunately, WOSB certification can help address many of these challenges. By becoming WOSB certified, your consulting business will be eligible for set-aside contracts specifically for women-owned businesses. This can help you secure contracts and gain access to new business opportunities that may not have been available to you otherwise. Additionally, WOSB certification can enhance your credibility and reputation. This can help you attract new clients and partners. Overall, WOSB certification can give your consulting business a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Eligibility Criteria for WOSB Certification

To be eligible for WOSB certification, your consulting business must meet certain criteria.

First, as mentioned earlier, one or more women who are U.S. citizens must own and control at least 51% of your business .

Additionally, your business must be considered a small business according to SBA size standards.

Finally, your business must operate in an industry that is eligible for WOSB certification. The SBA provides a list of eligible industries on their website.

The WOSB Certification Process

The process of obtaining WOSB certification can be somewhat complex, but it’s worth the effort. To begin, you’ll have to create an account on the SBA’s WOSB program website. From there, you’ll need to provide documentation to verify your eligibility, such as tax returns and organizational documents.

Once your eligibility is verified, you’ll need to complete an online certification application and provide additional documentation, such as resumes and financial statements. The SBA will then review your application and notify you of their decision.

How to Leverage Your WOSB Certification for Business Growth

“If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.”

Coco Chanel

Once you’ve obtained WOSB certification, it’s important to leverage it effectively to grow your consulting business.

One way to do this is to actively seek out set-aside contracts for WOSBs. You can do this by searching for opportunities on the SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search website. Also, you can attend networking events and conferences. Additionally, you can use your WOSB certification as a marketing tool to attract new clients and partners.

Be sure to prominently display your certification on your website. Also, place on your website marketing materials, and highlight the benefits of working with a WOSB-certified business.

Success Stories of Women-Owned Consulting Businesses with WOSB Certification

“Next time you are about to call a little girl bossy, say instead: She has executive leadership skills.”

Sheryl Sandberg

Many women-owned consulting businesses have already leveraged WOSB certification to achieve success in the startup world. For example, KDH Consulting, a WOSB-certified consulting firm, was able to secure a $40 million contract with the Department of Defense after obtaining WOSB certification. Another success story is C2G International, a WOSB-certified consulting firm that has won numerous contracts with the U.S. government and has been named one of the fastest-growing businesses in the country.

Success stories of Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB)

“Men are from Earth, women are from Earth. Deal with it.”

George Carlin

Many success stories of WOSBs are out there.  Here are a few examples:

1. Tiffanye Wesley founded Driving Change, a WOSB that provides fleet management solutions for businesses. Tiffanye attended Howard University and is a native of Washington, D.C.
2. Celerens is a WOSB that helps customers improve business outcomes through data and technology. They are also SBA 8(a) Certified, SDB, EDWOSB, and Maryland Certified MBE/DBE/SBE.
3. Oscarware, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturing business and a WOSB located in rural Kentucky. They manufacture aluminum foil grilling pans and accessories.
4. Beckrich Construction is a WOSB, 8a, DBE, ESB General Contractor that performs a wide range of construction services for the public and private sectors.

While these are just a few examples, there are many more success stories of WOSBs.

Success stories of WOSBs in the area of consulting

1. Sampson, Jefferson and Associates (SJA). This is one example of a successful WOSB in the area of consulting is Sampson, Jefferson and Associates (SJA). It was founded by Tiffanye Wesley. SJA provides strategic consulting and health management services to healthcare and education organizations. Tiffanye’s company was featured as a WOSB success story by the Small Business Administration.
2. Namba Consulting LLC.  Another example is Kelli Namba, owner of Namba Consulting LLC , who was recognized as a successful minority business owner by the Minority Business Development Agency’s Enterprising Women of Color program. Kelli’s consulting services include organizational development, training, and strategic planning.

Other Certifications and Resources for Women-Owned Businesses

While WOSB certification is an excellent resource for women-owned consulting businesses, it’s not the only option available. Other certifications and resources for women-owned businesses include the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification, which is recognized by many corporations and government agencies, and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), which provides networking and training opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Note that the SBA also has an Office of Women’s Business Ownership, whose “mission is to enable and empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education and support.”

Increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT that uses natural language processing, is being used to develop documents and to develop proposals.  This has the potential for increasing your competitiveness and can be leveraged to produce better WOSB applications and will transform the government contracting landscape.

Common Misconceptions About WOSB Certification

Despite the many benefits of WOSB certification, there are still some common misconceptions about the program. One of the biggest misconceptions is that obtaining WOSB certification is a complicated and time-consuming process. While the process can be somewhat involved, it’s worth the effort to gain access to new business opportunities and enhance your credibility. Another misconception is that WOSB certification is only useful for businesses that work with the government. While WOSB certification does provide access to set-aside contracts for government agencies, it can also be a valuable marketing tool for businesses that work in the private sector.

Conclusion: Why WOSB Certification is the Key to Shattering Glass Ceilings in the Startup World

“Gender equality is critical to the development and peace of every nation.”

Kofi Annan

In conclusion, WOSB certification can be a game-changer for women-owned consulting businesses looking to break into the male-dominated startup world. By providing access to set-aside contracts, enhancing credibility, and opening up new business opportunities, WOSB certification can help you overcome the many challenges faced by women-owned businesses. So if you’re a woman-owned consulting business looking to take your business to the next level, consider obtaining WOSB certification and shattering those glass ceilings.

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