Hey everyone!
We’ve got some exciting news to share with you all—drumroll, please—The Ezer Agency is officially WBENC certified! That’s right, we’ve joined the ranks of incredible women-owned businesses recognized by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). We’re buzzing with excitement and want to tell you all about it—what it means for us, how we got here, and how you can achieve this milestone, too!
What is WBENC Certification?
For those who aren’t familiar with WBENC certification, it is like a gold star for women-owned businesses. It’s the most widely recognized and respected certification for women-owned businesses in the U.S. Being WBENC certified means you’ve gone through a rigorous process to prove that your business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women.
So, why is this such a big deal? Besides being a badge of honor, it opens up a ton of doors! Think access to corporate and government contracts, networking opportunities, and resources specifically for women entrepreneurs.
The Journey to Certification: Our Story
Now, let’s talk about the journey to get here. Becoming WBENC certified isn’t as easy as filling out a form and calling it a day—it’s a process! Here’s a quick rundown of what we went through:
Application Submission: First things first, we had to fill out an online application form. It required detailed information about our business, including ownership details, financial documents, and organizational structure. We made sure to have all our paperwork in order before diving in.
Documentation Review: Once our application was submitted, the WBENC team reviewed all our documents. This part can feel a bit like waiting for test results—nerve-wracking but totally worth it!
Site Visit: Next up, we had a site visit where a WBENC representative came to meet us in person. They wanted to see how we run things, ask questions, and make sure we’re really who we say we are (Story for another day). It was like showing off our baby!
Certification Decision: After the site visit, there was a final review, and then—ta-da!—we received our official WBENC certification. Cue the happy dance!
Why WBENC Certification Rocks
So, what’s all the fuss about? Here are some major perks that come with WBENC certification:
Access to New Business Opportunities: Many corporations and government agencies have supplier diversity programs and are looking to work with WBENC-certified businesses. This certification gets you a seat at the table.
Networking and Events: You get to connect with other amazing women-owned businesses, attend exclusive events, and join a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.
Resources and Support: WBENC offers training programs, webinars, and other resources to help you grow and succeed as a business owner. Whether it’s learning new skills, finding mentors, or getting advice, a lot of support is available.
Credibility and Recognition: Being WBENC certified is a mark of credibility. It shows that you meet high standards and are committed to excellence. It’s a great way to stand out and gain the trust of potential clients and partners.
How You Can Get WBENC Certified Too!
If you’re a woman-owned business and want to get WBENC certified, here are some steps to get you started:
Check Eligibility: First, make sure you meet the basic requirements. Your business needs to be at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women.
Gather Your Documents: You’ll need to provide a lot of documentation, including proof of ownership, financials, and organizational structure. Get everything organized and ready to go.
Complete the Application: Head over to the WBENC website and complete the online application. Be thorough and provide all the necessary details to avoid delays.
Prepare for the Site Visit: A site visit is a crucial part of the certification process. Be ready to showcase your business and explain how it operates. Make sure your team is also prepared!
Be Patient and Persistent: The certification process can take some time, but don’t get discouraged. Keep in touch with the WBENC team, follow up as needed, and stay on top of any additional requests for information.
Celebrating Our Achievement!
We’re incredibly proud to be WBENC-certified! We can’t wait to leverage this to create more opportunities, build stronger partnerships, and continue growing our impact.
Thank you to all our clients, partners, and supporters who have been with us on this journey. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we’re excited for what the future holds!
Interested in Partnering with a WBENC-Certified Agency?
If you’re looking to work with a certified woman-owned business that’s committed to delivering top-notch services and innovative solutions, look no further. The Ezer Agency is here to help you achieve your goals. Let’s connect and make amazing things happen!
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