Seeking corporate or government contracts can be financially beneficial to small businesses owned by minorities and women in South Carolina. State certifications can offer a boost during the bid process.
Natasha Pitts, Greenville Chamber of Commerce vice president of diversity and economic inclusion, said certification helps small businesses gain contracts with companies, government entities and institutions that have supplier-diversity programs.
To gain this certification, a small business must be 51% owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Individuals qualify if they are African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian Pacific American or women.
The business must also be established and in operation for at least one year, said Sherry Pittinger, a government procurement specialist for the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers.
“The South Carolina state minority certification program is good,” Pittinger said. “I really like it because it (requires) just the basic stuff (for the application). When you go into federal government contract certifications, they’re going to ask you for a lot more in-depth information.”
Before applying for a diversity certification, small businesses should consider which companies they want to do business with and their certification requirements.
Laura Biggerstaff, owner of Greer-based Iron Elk, said she didn’t learn about the state-level WBE certification until after her safety-apparel company received two national certifications through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“I thought, ‘Well (now) I will be certified all over the United States,’ but what I started finding out was the state supports the state,” Biggerstaff said. “It was very important to me to also be established in the state of South Carolina as a resource for the products that I sell.”
After working with Pittinger on her application, Biggerstaff’s company became WBE certified in South Carolina in 2021.
“Our company’s name goes on a directory where buyers who are looking for businesses with that type of certification to do business with. It’s a great way to get the foot in the door,” Biggerstaff said. “It shows that you’re devoted to what you’re doing and not afraid of hard work.”
For more information on minority-owned business certification through the South Carolina Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification, visit smbcc.sc.gov/index.html.