Women-Owned Businesses: Certify or Not?

Written by Mary Welch Saturday, February 20 2010

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There are millions of women-certified businesses in the United States. The certification helps open doors to corporate and government contracts and provides high-level networking and training needed to succeed in the business world.

But what about in other counties? Does being certified mean anything? Does it help a woman-owned business get contracts in another country? What about global companies? In other words, is the certification of women-owned businesses just an American phenomenon?

“I do believe that there is a gap compared to the progress that has been made in the United States. That is why the Coca-Cola Co. has put into place programs to help foster economic growth and empowerment of women- and minority-owned businesses throughout our supply chain around the world,” says Johnnie Booker, global director of supplier diversity at The Coca-Cola Co.

Roz Lewis, executive director of the Greater Women’s Business Council, says certification is important. “Being a women-certified business is important because it will help extend the footprint of women-owned businesses,” she says. “It’s already happening in London and just getting started in Canada. If you look outside the U.S., you’ll see the footprint growing. And, don’t forget that many of the global companies like UPS, Coca-Cola, IBM, have employees who – regardless of where they are – still look for and identify women-owned businesses in order to do business.”

Canada, in fact, just started a certification program. Last March, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and more than 25 corporate procurement executives launched WEConnect Canada, a nonprofit organization created to certify and support women-owned businesses in Canada. Women-led firms provide 1.7 million jobs there and are creating new jobs at four times the rate of the average business. Women entrepreneurs in Canada contribute more than $18 billion (Canadian) to the country’s economy.

“Our government firmly believes that the easier we make it for women to start businesses, maintain them, and expand into global markets, the stronger we make our economy,” says Helena Guergis, minister of state for the status of women in Canada. “Our partnership with WEConnect Canada will make it easier for corporations from around the world to find qualified, women-led Canadian businesses to meet their needs.”

Like WBENC, which certifies women-owned businesses in the United States, WEConnect Canada will certify Canadian firms that are at least 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by women. The organization also serves as a resource for corporations and public entities seeking diverse suppliers.