River Valley Black Chamber Workshop to Help Minority-Owned Businesses Earn National Certification

The River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce is inviting entrepreneurs to take the next step in growing their businesses by becoming nationally recognized as certified minority-owned enterprises through an upcoming hands-on workshop.

The workshop, "ACCESS GRANTED," is designed to help local business owners understand, prepare for and complete the minority business certification process — an important credential that can open doors to government contracts, corporate supplier diversity programs and partnerships with major companies seeking qualified minority-owned businesses.

Organizers say the goal is not simply to complete an application, but to ensure businesses are prepared to become nationally registered, credible and competitive suppliers for corporations and agencies committed to doing business with minority-owned enterprises.

"Minority business certification helps establish legitimacy and credibility while increasing opportunities for businesses to compete for contracts and supplier diversity initiatives," chamber officials said. "Preparation is the key to positioning local companies for long-term success."

Participants will receive step-by-step instruction on selecting the appropriate certification, gathering required documentation, navigating the online application process and avoiding common mistakes that can delay approval.

Topics will include:

• Determining the appropriate certification for a business.
• Preparing required financial and ownership documentation.
• Completing the online certification process.
• Avoiding common application errors.
• Positioning businesses for future contracting and procurement opportunities.

In addition to the educational workshop, the River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce will award one certification scholarship covering the approximately $600 certification filing fee for one eligible participant.

To qualify for the scholarship, participants must register for the workshop, pay the registration fee and attend the entire session in person. One eligible participant will be selected following the workshop.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. EDT at the Cunningham Center on the campus of Columbus State University, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus.

Attendance is limited to 30 participants, with registration available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Workshop registration is $15 for River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce members and $30 for non-members.

Organizers encourage entrepreneurs interested in expanding into government and corporate procurement markets to register early and take advantage of the opportunity to prepare their businesses for certification and future growth.

Registration is available at bit.ly/RVBCCMINORCERT.