Create New Business Opportunities with a Diverse-Business Certification

Transcription

1 Create New Business Opportunities with a Diverse-Business Certification Jamie Liggins, Notary of the Year 2004 Owner of Notary Access & Field Inspection Service

2 Presentation Goals Learn about the classifications of diverse businesses and who certifies them Gain insight on the process to register for a diverse-business certification Understand the requirements to qualify as a diverse business Learn how a diverse-business certification can give you an advantage of getting work AND in establishing YOUR business 2

3 How can you make this WORK for YOUR Notary/Signing Agent Business? 3

4 Is Government Contracting Right for YOU? Does the Government buy what you sell OR use the service(s) you offer? Can you handle the job if given the contract? If not, what can you do to handle it? Can you make yourself more marketable or distinguished? 4

5 What is a Diverse Small Business Certification? Certification that allows you to contract bid opportunities with the federal government exclusively for small businesses. Such certifications give you special capability or status that will help you compete in the marketplace and give you priority in the Notary industry with signing companies and within the mortgage industry. 5

6 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) 8(a) Program 1. Must be in a minority group: African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian Pacific American and Subcontinent Asian American. 2. If not considered minority, you must provide substantial evidence and documentation showing you have been subjected to bias or discrimination and are economically disadvantaged. Refer to 6

7 Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE) 1. Any person who served honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States; and 2. Have at least a twenty percent (20%) disability that is service-connected meaning that such disability was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service. Refer to SBA Office of Veteran s Business Development: 7

8 Small Business Enterprise (SBE) 1. A continuing, independent, for-profit business which performs a commercially useful function with residence in the state; 2. Has total gross receipts of no more than 10 million dollars averaged over a 3-year period or employees no more than 99% on a full-time basis. 8

9 Small Disadvantaged Business 1. Must be 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged person(s); 2. Must be socially and economically disadvantaged; 3. Must be small, according to SBA s size standards. Refer to 9

10 Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) 1. Be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more women; 2. The women must be U.S. citizens; and 3. Must be small according to SBA s size standards. To determine their size standard, refer to 10

11 Other Local Community State Certifications 1. Small & Emerging Business Development (SEBD): assists with entrepreneurial training, legal needs, marketing and computer and accounting skills 2. Womens Business Development Center ( They offer free webinars and certification 3. National Minority Supplier Development Council ( Refer to the SBA to have a personal appointment with your local representative 11

12 Benefits Diverse Certification Informal networking and target marketing opportunities at national conferences and business fairs Partnering opportunities with other certified businesses Free business webinars Access to mentoring, education and capacity development Participation in their social media profiles Use of the particular certified seal or logo on your marketing material Scholarship eligibility 12

13 Benefits Diverse Certification Marketing tool to get companies to take you seriously. Potential opportunities for business as some companies are required to report the names of certified-only diverse contractors THUS they are more likely to USE YOU! Companies in the private sector have supplier/service diversity goals and often seek those with certifications. Helps you get on a company s preferred vendor list. 13

14 CERTIFICATION / REGISTRATION PROCESS 14

15 STEP 1 Determine NAICS code The website is: Select NAICS codes that best describe your business and then determine if the business meets size standards for the selected NAICS codes. Notary industry: the NAICS is and Mortgage is: Determine Small Size The website is: Type in keyword(s) for your business. When entering the NAICS code Do we qualify? YES. Size Standard: $11 million in average annual receipts. 15

16 STEP 2 1. Identify your D-U-N-S number. 2. Log onto (Dunn and Bradstreet) What is a D-U-N-S#? A unique nine-digit identification number for each physical location of your business & used to identify and track your business. It is free for all businesses required to register with the federal government for contracts or grants. 16

17 Once you get a D&B #, type your DUNS# and zip code in and it will search out your competitors in your regional area. 17

18 STEP 3 Identify and/or obtain an EIN number (Employer Identification Number) aka Federal Tax Identification Number. An EIN is used to identify a business entity. You may apply for an EIN online as a free service offered by the IRS to get your EIN immediately. 18

19 STEP 4 Register your company with the federal government s System for Award Management (SAM). or call SAM is the primary database used by vendors doing business with the federal government. As you register as a government contractor in the System for Award Management (SAM), you will also self-certify your business as small. 19

20 STEP 5 Search for federal business contracting opportunities. (FedBizOps) Websites: Others to Research: USAspending LaPAC BidMatch Bidsync 20

21 STEP 6 Look for Marketing opportunities! Determine which agencies could use your service(s) and get to know them; Identify their contracting procedures; Register with other local agencies for diverse business certification opportunities. 21

22 OVERWHELMED? 22

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24 AWESOME WEBPAGE sba-learningcenter/search/training 24

25 One-Stop Shop & Support Center FIND YOUR LOCAL SBA OFFICE 1. Register for a Free Training Workshop or Seminar to help you Launch your Business with Government Contracting & Certifications 2. Make an appointment with your local SBA Contract Assistance Specialist or Procurement Counselor 25

26 You will learn & have assistance with: 1. Reserving a business name 2. Writing your business plan 3. Choosing your business structure 4. Getting a Tax ID # for your business 5. Registering your business with System for Award Management (SAM) Getting assistance with obtaining D-U-N-S # 7. Registering for government contracting 8. Finding helpful resources 9. Become a part of a constant mentorship program 10.Networking 26

27 GET STARTED- IT S A WIN-WIN! 27

28 Questions, Thoughts or Comments 28

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