WBDC/Florida Regional Partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Marketing your business through National Certification

Introduction Nancy Allen President and CEO Working in the company of women

WBDC/WBENC Partnership WBENC 14 Affiliates Goals and objectives – Certification – Marketing – Business Development and Growth

Why should you certify? Access Opportunity Knowledge

Access Access to marketing opportunities Corporate CloseUp meetings Matchmaker meetings National conferences

Opportunities Networking Over 10,000 WBEs in the national database 450 in Florida

Knowledge Training programs One on one coaching/consulting Executive Training

Success Stories WBE to Corporate WBE to WBE WBE to Federal Government

Are you ready? Should you certify? Will you be able to take advantage of the benefits?

Should you certify? What/Who is your target market? Are you prepared to open your business records to scrutiny? Are you prepared to take advantage of the marketing opportunities?

Criteria for Certification 51% ownership by a woman or women. Proof of effective management of the business (operating position, by-laws, hire-fire and other decision-making role.) Control of the business as evidenced by signature role on loans, leases and contracts. US Citizenship or US Resident Alien Status

Submitting info for review Certification review committee meets monthly Committee is made up of corporate representatives, WBEs and governmental organizations

Confidentiality! Each committee member has been trained to review the documents Each committee member signs a confidentiality agreement

The Site Visit Every file that goes to committee is assigned a site visit. Standard questions Questions from the paperwork

Decision… Recommended for certification Denied certification

I’m Certified, Now What? Awareness Access Acceptability MARKETING!!!

FOCUS What is your goal?

Contact information Nancy Allen