"Unlock the Benefits: How Certification as a Minority Owned Business Enhances Your Business"

Welcome to La'Quita's Toolbox, where we deliver relevant content in the form of tools that empower entrepreneurs to elevate personally and professionally!

About Dr. Cassandra Bradford

Welcome to La'Quita's Toolbox, where we provide tools to empower entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. Today's episode features a powerhouse, Dr. Cassandra Bradford. She is a business consultant specializing in minority, woman, and veteran owned business certifications. Dr. Cassandra will discuss the importance of certifications, the benefits of being a veteran owned business, and the different certifications one can qualify for. So don't forget to grab a pen and paper, as this episode is going to be a one for the replay!

Why is it important to become certified as a minority owned business?

Becoming certified as a minority owned business is an important step for business owners who are part of a minority group. This certification is beneficial to the business owner as it opens up access to a variety of resources that are not available to other businesses. With this certification, business owners can access government contracts and special grants that are specifically geared towards minority owned businesses. This can provide a huge financial boost to the business and help it to grow and expand. In addition, becoming certified as a minority owned business can help to boost the reputation of the business. This certification can be seen as a sign of commitment to diversity and inclusion, which can make the business more attractive to potential customers and investors. It can also be a great way to show support for the minority community, which can help to build trust and loyalty from the local community. All in all, becoming certified as a minority owned business can be a great way to open up more opportunities and resources for the business.

Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Understand the different certifications available including Minority Owned, Woman Owned, Disadvantaged Business, HUB, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Small Business Enterprise, and Airport certifications.
2. Gather the necessary paperwork and documents for each application.
3. Contact an expert business consultant to help with the application process.
4. Submit applications to the relevant agencies and track progress.
5. Take advantage of any special benefits available such as contract matching for veterans.
6. Utilize NAICS codes for specific services and products offered.
7. Identify opportunities and stay up to date with current requirements.
8. Find potential partners and collaborators to increase the chances of success.
9. Stay

 
Welcome to La'Quita's Toolbox! The first step in this episode is to thank the sponsors, Covenant Press. Covenant Press is a faith-based Christian apparel and accessory shop online that allows believers to shop and buy clothing and accessories that display the love of Jesus Christ. It's important to note that when shopping at Covenant Press, there are valuable discount codes available in the pop ups when you're checking out. To access these discounts, copy and paste the code in the appropriate place at the checkout. Additionally, Dr. Cassandra Bradford has been introduced as the guest and the conversation has begun about minority, woman, and veteran owned certifications. Dr. Cassandra recommends listeners to call her office at 1-800-718-2425 or visit her website, Genesispreferred.com, to learn more about the different types of certifications and how to qualify for them. She goes on to explain the different types of certifications and how to take advantage of them. Finally, Dr. Cassandraandra emphasizes the importance of having the NAICs code in order to qualify for certifications and access to contracts.

Dr. Cassandra also encourages listeners to take advantage of the resources available online, such as the Small Business Association, to help navigate the certification process. She adds that with the right knowledge and resources, applying for certifications can be a smooth process. Additionally, she reminds listeners that when applying for certifications, it’s important to read all the fine print and understand all the requirements. Finally, Dr. Cassandra emphasizes the importance of having a well-thought-out business plan in order to qualify for certifications. She says that having a business plan is essential to demonstrate to the certifying entity that you have a comprehensive idea of the business that you are running. A business plan should also include an executive summary, a description of the business, a market analysis, a financial plan and more. With these pieces of information, Dr. Cassandra encourages listeners to take the necessary steps to apply for minority, woman, and veteran owned certifications.

2. Understand the different certifications available including Minority Owned, Woman Owned, Disadvantaged Business, HUB, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Small Business Enterprise, and Airport certifications.
The second step is to understand the different certifications available including Minority Owned, Woman Owned, Disadvantaged Business, HUB, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Small Business Enterprise, and Airport certifications. To be certified as a minority-owned business, the owner must own at least 51% of the business and operate the business 51% of the time. To qualify for a Service Disabled Veteran Owned certification, the veteran must own at least 51% of the business and operate it 51% of the time. The Disadvantaged Business certification is issued by the Department of Transportation and is a statewide certification, allowing businesses to bid on opportunities across the state. The HUB certification is only available in Texas and North Carolina and is used by counties, office, schools, districts, colleges, or universities. To qualify for an Airport certification, the business must carry $2 million in liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. The Small Business Enterprise certification is typically used by businesses in the construction field. Each of these certifications provide access to opportunities with Fortune 500 companies and the government, allowing minority and veteran-owned businesses to get their fair share of opportunities.

The third step is to understand the application process for each of the certifications. Each certification has its own application process and criteria, so it is important to research each certification and understand what documentation is required. Generally speaking, businesses will need to provide documentation such as personal and business tax returns, financial statements, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance. Additionally, businesses may need to provide proof of the business’s size, such as the number of employees or sales volume. Since some certifications are state-specific, businesses may need to provide additional documentation such as state tax returns or state licenses. The fourth step is to find a certifying agency. Each certification has an agency that is responsible for approving applications and issuing certifications. The certifying agency will also provide ongoing support to businesses, such as providing resources and guidance. The certifying agency should be carefully researched to make sure that they are legitimate and reputable. Additionally, businesses should make sure that the certifying agency is certified by the federal agency responsible for the certification program. By following these steps, businesses can ensure that they are taking the right steps to become certified as minority- or veteran-owned businesses.

3. Gather the necessary paperwork and documents for each application.
Gathering the necessary paperwork and documents for each application can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Dr. Cassandra Bradford, a powerhouse business consultant specializing in minority owned, woman owned, and veteran owned business certifications, has outlined the paperwork and documents needed to apply for each certification. Depending on the type of certification, applicants need to provide a birth certificate and proof of citizenship, a DD 214 and VA disability letter, Northern American Industry Classification System (NAICs) codes, and a copy of a liability insurance policy. Applicants may also need to provide a copy of their mother’s birth certificate to prove ethnicity. Additionally, veterans may have to prove that they own at least 51% of the business and operate it at least 51% of the time. Depending on their state of residence, certain veterans may qualify for contract matching opportunities. Finally, those seeking to work with airports may need to carry a $2 million dollar liability insurance policy. Having all the necessary paperwork and documents prepared and ready to go will save valuable time and improve the chances of success.

In addition to the paperwork and documents needed to apply for each certification, applicants should also familiarize themselves with the application process. For instance, some certifications require applicants to complete an online application form, while others require a paper application to be mailed in. Understanding which process the applicant must go through and completing the application in the required format will help ensure a smooth and successful application. Finally, applicants should take the time to read through the application and make sure they understand all the requirements before submitting. This is especially important when it comes to certifications that require the applicant to submit additional documents or answer specific questions. Making sure that all information is accurate and up to date can help speed up the application process and give applicants a better chance of success.

4. Contact an expert business consultant to help with the application process.
To contact an expert business consultant to help with the application process for minority, woman and veteran owned business certifications, listeners can call the office of Dr. Cassandra Bradford at 1807 182425. Her staff will answer any questions that potential customers may have. If they wish to make an appointment with her, they can let her staff know and they will be able to find the right appointment time depending on their state. Dr. Cassandra offers a niche business consultancy firm called Genesis Preferred Solutions, where they prepare all the necessary documents needed for certification and submit them to the appropriate agencies. With her help, entrepreneurs can receive their certifications and be able to do business with the government and Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, she will be able to explain all the various certifications that customers may qualify for and provide guidance in the application process.

In addition to helping with the application process, Dr. Cassandra offers a variety of other services to help entrepreneurs get the most out of their business certification. She offers business training, marketing assistance, and financial planning services to help entrepreneurs make the most of their new certification. She has a team of professionals who are dedicated to helping customers succeed in their business ventures. Furthermore, her team of experts can provide advice on how to maximize the benefits of being a minority or woman-owned business. This includes helping to increase visibility in the marketplace and taking advantage of special programs and incentives that are only available to these businesses. Working with Dr. Cassandra will give entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, and support they need to succeed in their business ventures. Her team of experts will ensure that customers will be able to take advantage of their certification and make the most of their status as a minority, woman, or veteran-owned business. With her help, entrepreneurs can make their business dreams a reality.

5. Submit applications to the relevant agencies and track progress.
Submitting applications to the relevant agencies and tracking progress is an important step in the certification process. After you have gathered all of the necessary documentation, such as birth certificates and DD214 for veterans, you can begin the application process. Depending on the certifications you are applying for, you may need to submit applications to multiple agencies. For example, if you are applying for minority, woman, or veteran owned certifications, you will need to submit applications to the Small Business Administration, the Department of Transportation, and other state, regional, and local agencies. Once the applications have been submitted, it is important to track the progress of the applications and follow up with the agencies as necessary. This can help ensure that all applications are processed in a timely manner, and that any issues are quickly resolved.

In addition to submitting applications to the relevant agencies and tracking progress, it is important to stay organized throughout the certification process. Once the applications are submitted, make sure to create a spreadsheet or document to track the status of each application. This can help you ensure that all applications are submitted and processed on time, and that any issues that arise are quickly addressed. Additionally, it can help you stay on top of any deadlines or key milestones in the certification process. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to the relevant agencies to ask questions or check on the status of your application. If you have any questions or need clarification on any part of the certification process, contact the agency directly to get the answers you need. This can help keep the process running smoothly, and ensure that you get all of the certifications you are applying for in a timely manner.

6. Take advantage of any special benefits available such as contract matching for veterans.
Step 6 is to take advantage of any special benefits available such as contract matching for veterans. Veterans are eligible for contract matching which means that they are able to be matched with contracts they are qualified for by the government. In order to take advantage of this benefit, veterans must own at least 51% of the business and operate it 51% of the time. They must also have a DD 214 and a VA disability letter. This benefit is only available in Texas, California, and Florida. Other special benefits available are the Disadvantaged Business Certification which is available in every state and the Historically Underutilized Business Certification which is only available in Texas and North Carolina. The Disadvantaged Business Certification is issued by the Department of Transportation and allows businesses to bid in any state. The Historically Underutilized Business Certification sends out opportunities in bite sized pieces based on the business's NAICS code and is used by counties, schools, colleges, and universities as well as Amazon. Lastly, there is the Small Business Certification which is primarily used in construction and services and requires businesses to carry $2 million in liability insurance and workers compensation.

It is important for veterans to take advantage of these special benefits as it will give them the opportunity to compete for contracts and increase their chances of success. Additionally, the government provides incentives for companies that hire veterans such as tax credits and grants. This can be a great way for veterans to find the resources they need to start and grow their businesses. Lastly, veteran-owned businesses should explore opportunities to join veteran-owned business associations as this can open doors to opportunities and resources that would otherwise be inaccessible. These associations also provide valuable resources such as mentoring and networking opportunities which are essential for business success.

7. Utilize NAICS codes for specific services and products offered.
The seventh step in this transcript is to utilize NAICS codes for specific services and products offered. NAICS stands for the North American Industry Classification System and is used by the government to classify businesses and industries. This system assigns a number to each type of business which allows them to easily identify and track the services and products offered. This number is used when applying for certifications like minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, disadvantaged business, historically underutilized business, service-disabled veteran-owned, and small business enterprise. The NAICS code can be found by searching for the type of service or product offered on the US Census Bureau website. Once the relevant code is found, it needs to be included in the application for the certification. This helps ensure that the business qualifies for the appropriate certifications and can take advantage of the opportunities they bring.

It’s important to note that NAICS codes are also used by other organizations as well, including state and local governments, as well as private companies. This means that businesses should check with their state or local government to ensure that they are using the correct NAICS code when applying for certifications. Additionally, businesses should confirm that their NAICS code is up to date and accurate when applying for certifications and other business opportunities. Utilizing the NAICS codes for specific services and products offered is an important and necessary step for any business looking to take advantage of certifications and other business opportunities. It is important to research the appropriate code, double check with the local or state government, and confirm that the code is up to date and accurate. By following these steps, businesses can be sure that they are taking the necessary steps to get the most out of their certifications.

In this episode of La'Quita's Toolbox, Dr. Cassandra Bradford has outlined the importance of certifications for minority owned businesses, the different certifications available, and the steps to apply for them. From gathering necessary paperwork and documents to taking advantage of special benefits, such as contract matching for veterans, to utilizing NAICS codes to identify services and products offered, these steps are crucial in order to qualify for certifications and access to contracts. It is possible to achieve success, growth, and abundance with the right resources and guidance. So don't let the paperwork and application process intimidate you—with the right help, you can unlock the benefits of certifications as a minority owned business.

I’d love to hear how you apply The Certification Toolbox to get success, growth, and abundance.. Leave me a comment on how it went for you or drop any questions you want me to answer!