The number of minority and women business enterprises is growing by the minute. In fact, over the past decade, the number of minority owned businesses and women owned businesses in the United States grew by nearly 50 percent. While corporations are turning to diverse suppliers more frequently, there are an overwhelming number of enterprises vying for these contracts. In this increasingly competitive market, diverse suppliers must find ways to set themselves apart from their competitors in order to access procurement opportunities. The key to separating your minority or women owned business from the pack is minority and women business enterprise certification. Used by corporations as a method for weeding out unqualified candidates, MWBE certification gives businesses a competitive edge. MWBE certification is also the key to accessing government contracts designated for diverse suppliers. In this book you'll learn how to apply for MWBE certification, the benefits of MWBE designation, and receive information on how to access contracting opportunities with local, state, and federal government agencies. You'll also hear the real life experiences of several women whose businesses took off after they became certified as women business enterprises. Brought to you by experts Pamela Williamson, executive director of the Women Business Enterprise Council-West and Robin Billups, board chairman of WBEC-West, this book is a must for minority and women business owners and operators looking for greater procurement opportunities. With this knowledge you'll have the tools necessary to outshine your competitors, build relationships with corporations, and grow your business by leaps and bounds.