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MANAGEMENT
Earning the certification is a
daunting process, and while it’s cer-
tainly possible for women to operate
successful companies without this cer-
tification, the benefits that accompany
it are well worth the tedious applica-
tion process. The biggest benefit to
most WBE companies is the opportu-
nity to meet and attract new cus-
tomers based on their certification sta-
tus. Many corporations and govern-
ment agencies have a certain allotment
of their budgets set aside for purchases
DECEMBER 2015 •
PPB
• 59
THINK
OMEN ARE TOUGH.
While they may
have once been painted as fragile, delicate
creatures, they have been blazing their way
into male-dominated fields, including the promotional prod-
ucts industry, for more than two decades. But like everything
required in changing the mindset of the general population,
women must find ways to overcome the challenges they face.
Attempting to establish a new trail in the business world is no
easy feat, but one advantage is their ability to earn their com-
pany the distinction of a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)
certification or other similar certifications that are recognized
by the federal government and authorized by the U.S. Small
Business Administration.
W
ONE HUGE UPSIDE IS THE NETWORKING
BY TAYLA CARPENTER
THE BENEFITS OF BUSINESS
CERTIFICATION