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entrepreneur in white dress shirt and blue tie writing with a silver pen on a clip board in front of a window caption: The Right Business Certification Can Elevate Your Brand

Navigating Business Certifications:
How SCM Helps You Attain the Right Certifications for Government Contracting

For small businesses looking to secure government contracts, business certifications are key to unlocking new opportunities. However, not all certifications apply at every level of government—what works for county contracts may not be relevant at the state or federal level.

At SCM Consulting, we help businesses identify and obtain the right certifications to maximize their eligibility and competitiveness across different levels of government contracting. From local and state certifications to federal set-asides, we guide businesses through the application process, compliance requirements, and strategic positioning to secure lucrative government contracts.

Why Business Certifications Matter

Government agencies set aside billions of dollars in contracts specifically for certified small and disadvantaged businesses. These certifications help level the playing field, giving smaller firms a chance to compete with larger corporations for public sector contracts.

  • Certifications open doors to set-aside and sole-source contracts.
  • They establish credibility with government buyers and prime contractors.
  • They help businesses stand out in competitive bidding environments.
  • They provide networking and mentorship opportunities to accelerate growth.

But not all certifications are created equal—each level of government has different requirements, and understanding which certifications align with your business size, industry, and goals is critical.

Different Certifications for Different Government Levels

County-Level Certifications

At the county level, many local governments seek businesses with certifications such as:

  • Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) – Prioritizes small businesses within the county.
  • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) – Recognizes businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
  • Women Business Enterprise (WBE) – Certifies businesses owned and controlled by women.
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) – Helps small businesses owned by disadvantaged individuals compete in local contracts.

Example: A county may require LSBE or MBE certification for participation in local public works projects, supplier contracts, or service agreements.

 State-Level Certifications

For state contracts, businesses typically need different certifications, including:

  • Small Business (SB) Certification – Recognizes small businesses at the state level.
  • Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) – Provides contract preferences for veteran-owned businesses.
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) – Used in transportation and infrastructure projects.

Example: A business pursuing California state contracts may need SB/DVBE certification to qualify for small business set-asides in state procurement.

 Federal-Level Certifications

The federal government has its own set of certifications, often tied to major contracting programs like the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. These include:

  • SBA 8(a) Certification – For socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
  • HUBZone Certification – For businesses located in historically underutilized business zones.
  • Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) & Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) – For businesses owned and operated by women.
  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) – For veteran-owned businesses seeking federal contracts.

Example: A business looking to win federal contracts in defense or infrastructure could benefit from SBA 8(a) or SDVOSB certification.

Understanding Certification Requirements

Each certification has different eligibility standards based on:

  • Business size – Some certifications require businesses to remain under a certain number of employees.
  • Annual revenue – Certain certifications have revenue caps to ensure they benefit truly small businesses.
  • Ownership and control – Most certifications require 51% ownership and control by a qualifying individual (e.g., minority, woman, veteran, or disadvantaged business owner).
  • Industry focus – Some certifications are more industry-specific, such as DBE for transportation or HUBZone for businesses in economically distressed areas.

How SCM Helps You Get Certified & Win Contracts

Each year roughly $50 billion in Federal contracts is awarded to small disadvantaged businesses according to the SBA website. At SCM Consulting, we simplify the certification process by:

  • Assessing your business to determine which certifications align with your goals.
  • Guiding you through applications to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Preparing the necessary documentation for submission.
  • Helping you leverage your certifications to build relationships and secure contracts.
  • Developing a strategy to maximize opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels.

Getting certified is only the first step—our team also helps you position your business competitively and pursue contract opportunities that align with your capabilities.

Ready to Get Certified & Grow Your Business?

If your business is looking to qualify for government contracts, securing the right certifications is essential. SCM Consulting is here to help.

  • Schedule a consultation to assess your eligibility.
  • Get expert guidance to navigate the application process.
  • Position your business for success in local, state, and federal contracting.

Contact us today and start your certification journey!

Your success in government contracting starts now!

Would you like additional client success stories or more details on industry-specific certifications?