Every business is in the relationship business. With the right connections, diverse businesses can uncover incredible opportunities. Getting certified as a diverse-owned business exposes your business to other like-minded organizations, which helps you to build connections.
Additionally, diversity certifications act as proof that your company meets inclusion, equality, and diverse requirements, and you can do business with large companies that go through formal procurement processes, as well as the federal government.
What Does It Take to Become a Diverse Certified Business?
There are several ways your diverse organization can become certified. There are different certifications for every historically underrepresented group. Therefore, each type of diversity certification has its unique requirements.
Diversity certifications are available to organizations that are at least 51% owned and operated by underrepresented groups, such as:
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
In addition to providing proof that you belong to a diverse group, certification agencies require owners to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and the business must operate within the U.S. Other possible criteria include business location, net worth, or company size, and some certifications require agency visits to the business site.
The steps to becoming a diverse certified business include:
- Completing a business profile on your agency’s application platform
- Uploading relevant documents
- Conducting a site visit to determine if your business is diverse
- One to three months review process by the relevant committee
The certification process happens through a third-party certification agency. Most of these agencies are organizations that champion the rights of minority-owned businesses. The process can be daunting and time-consuming, but after approval, you immediately become more visible and attractive to potential clients and other diversity programs.
Why Certify Your Diverse Business?
Certifying your diverse business is an investment in your organization. Here are the most significant benefits:
Business Opportunities
Top companies and federal states are looking for diverse certified companies like yours. All certified businesses appear on a searchable national database where potential customers can easily find companies that meet their diversity goals. If you certify your business, you become visible to potential clients and business partners.
Access to Capital
Certification gives your company access to financing through banks, ventures, capital firms, and more. Similarly, your diverse certified business can easily access grants and loans from community financial institutions.
Meaningful Support
Certification organizations often provide education sessions, training, networking events, and programs that can improve your opportunities for connections and growth.
Work with Applied Development LLC
Applied Development is a certified disability service provider. At the core of our services, we champion the rights of people with diverse abilities. We offer an array of services, ranging from sign language interpretation, reader services, advocacy, strategic communication, and outreach. We partner with clients to ensure 504/508 compliance and complaint resolution.
We are a trusted certified diversability service provider delivering cost-effective and high-quality services to organizations, education, government agencies, and private businesses in 13 states and Washington, D.C.
We’re Ready to Help You
Looking to work with a diverse certified contractor? Call us at 410-571-4016 or contact us online to help your company with strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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