CR&A Custom is proud to announce that it has been certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the Small Business Administration.
This way, the company achieves two designations that are considered the gold standard for women-owned business certification
What Is the WBENC Certification?
The WBENC certification is issued after completing a rigorous process designed to demonstrate that a company is at least 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by a woman.
The certification process includes a review of business documentation and an on-site visit to verify that one or more women have unrestricted control of the business, management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate investment of capital or expertise.
After receiving this certification, businesses are designated as WBENC-certified Women’s Business Enterprises, or WBEs.
WBEs can leverage a vast network of support, including access to supply diversity and procurement executives, as well as opportunities to pursue business with corporate and government members as well as other WBEs.
Carmen Rad, founder and president of CR&A Custom.
What Is the WOSB Certification?
The Women-Owned Small Business certification allows a company to work with the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) WOSB program.
When they join the WOSB program, businesses become eligible to compete for federal contracts set aside for the program.
This can be a real game changer for women-owned businesses, as the federal government aims to award at least 5% of the federal contracting dollars to small businesses owned by women each year.
Some of the criteria a business must meet in order to apply for the WOSB certification include:
-
To be a small business according to the SBA size standards for its industry.
-
To be at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned, controlled, and directed by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
-
The woman (or women) who own the enterprise must make long-term decisions for the business.
Benefits of Working With a Woman-Owned Company
Any company can benefit from working with a WOSB or WBENC-certified business. Some advantages include:
-
Show your commitment to diversity. Partnering with a WOSB/WBENC-certified company demonstrates to potential clients that you are committed to diversity and inclusion.
-
Diversify your portfolio of suppliers. As the COVID pandemic has shown, having a diverse array of suppliers is one of the best ways to increase the resiliency of your business.
-
Expand your network of alliances. A company with WOSB and WBENC certifications has access to a wealth of connections and support tools. Partnering with a woman-owned business gives your company the opportunity to widen its horizons by gaining useful insights and building new connections.
About CR&A Custom
CR&A Custom is a woman- and minority-owned large format printing company known for its proven track record of success and its drive to excel.
If you are interested in learning more about our products, history, or philosophy, contact us today by email (info@cracustom.com), telephone (213-749-4440), social media (Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn), or through the live chat on our home page.
