February 8, 2010

Certification Part IV - State of Massachussets Minority and Women Business Assistance

The State of Massachusetts Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA) is the agency that is designed to support access to opportunities for MBEs on state and municipal contracts. SOMWBA also certifies MBEs and WBEs and DBEs in the Commonwealth. "The State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance is an agency within the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development which promotes the development of certified minority business enterprises (MBE), women owned (WBE) business enterprises, and minority non-profit (M/NPO) and women (W/NPO) non-profit organizations. It does this by facilitating their participation in Massachusetts business and economic development opportunities. Specifically, SOMWBA offers services in certification, enforcement, business assistance and advocacy."

When I asked Executive Director of SOMWBA, Reggie Nunnally (pictured) why MBEs should get SOMWBA certification, this is what he had to say:

"In this economic crisis that the country is currently experiencing and in particular in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is more critical now than ever before that small businesses tap into all markets, both on the private side as well as the public side. Massachusetts spends approximately $4 billion dollars annually. We have goals specific for minority and women owned businesses. In order for the commonwealth to track the contractual dollar amount for each minority or women owned business awarded a contract, the business must be certified by SOMWBA. SOMWBA can not guarantee that you will receive a contract but the Certification can be used as a excellent marketing tool. All state agencies, as well as large prime contractors doing business with the state look for SOMWBA Certified businesses to meet their Affirmative Marketing Program goals. We have seen an influx of businesses over the past 12 months wanting certification to take advantage of the various financial opportunities available In construction and the procurement of the much needed goods and services."

"SOMWBA certification is a marketing tool used to enhance a firm's ability to do business in public markets. Although certification does not guarantee that a business will be successful every time it bids, it may add a competitive edge to a bid. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts spends more than $4 billion each year doing business with firms. More than $240 million of this amount is targeted to SOMWBA certified minority and women businesses. Becoming SOMWBA certified can help firms seeking contracts with the government."

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