Certify Your Power: Business Certifications That Open Doors
By Samalid Hogan, Director of Business Support Services
June is a month of remembrance and momentum. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in America, and Pride Month honors the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ dignity and rights. Both remind us that freedom is not just a moment in history; it is something we build every day. For entrepreneurs, economic freedom is part of that legacy. Getting certified as a minority, women, or LGBTQ owned business is one of the most concrete steps an entrepreneur can take to turn the promise of equity into real economic opportunity. These certifications are free or low-cost to obtain, and they can unlock access to government contracts, supplier diversity programs, and networks that have long been out of reach for businesses in communities excluded from traditional capital systems.
What are business certifications?
Certifications are official government recognition that your business is owned by someone from a group that has historically been excluded from economic opportunity. Common ones include:
- MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) and WBE (Women Business Enterprise) — Apply through MA Supplier Diversity Office
- DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) — Learn more from MassDOT
- LGBTQ+-owned — Certify through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- SBA 8(a) Program (federal) — Apply at SBA.gov
- HUBZone (federal, for businesses in areas historically overlooked by traditional capital) — Apply at SBA.gov
Why does it matter?
Government agencies are required to buy from certified businesses to meet diversity goals. That means certified entrepreneurs gain access to contracts, preferred vendor lists, and opportunities that are otherwise hard to reach. In Massachusetts, state agencies spend billions every year, and certified businesses are poised to compete for a real share of that.
Get support from people who know the process:
BECMA (Black Economic Council of Massachusetts) and the MA LGBT Chamber of Commerce both offer guidance, community, and connections to help entrepreneurs get certified and grow.
Certification is not just a credential. It is a declaration that your business belongs at the table.
Accelerate Your Impact: Massachusetts Small Business Coaching Program
At BII, we believe financial capital alone isn’t enough to build a thriving business. That’s where business coaching and technical assistance (TA) comes in. TA is the behind-the-scenes support that helps small businesses and cooperatives grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.
At BII, our free 1-on-1 business coaching services provided in English and Spanish include:
- Capital readiness: Understanding what kind of funding fits your goals
- Financial projections: Building the roadmap to a stable future
- Resource navigation: Finding tools, experts, and programs that support your goals
- Access to contracts: Growing your revenue through new partnerships
This program is ideal for businesses ready to scale, create good jobs, and lead with purpose. Learn more.
Business Resources and Programs
Looking for public grants, programs and business resources? Check out our regularly updated list of resources, or reach out to the local organizations listed on our website. This month, we’re highlighting:
- The Acceleration Project (TAP) – Free Small Business Coaching: These programs are designed to help businesses strengthen operations and grow. Includes monthly webinars, small group coaching, 1:1 coaching.
- We are excited to collaborate with Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) to offer a tuition-free business accelerator designed for growth-stage entrepreneurs ready to strengthen their companies and scale to the next level! ICCC helps business owners build stronger operations, make smarter decisions, and unlock new opportunities through a combination of executive education, in-person and virtual events, peer learning, coaching, and capital readiness support. The 2026 ICCC Greater Boston Cohort is currently accepting applications for the program launching on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. ICCC participants will develop their growth strategy, build connections with industry experts and access to our national network of over 7,000 alumni! If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to Indhira Taveras, Lead Program Coordinator, at itaveras@icic.org or 617-238-3030.
Events
Where will BII be speaking, partnering, or hosting? Follow us on Luma to see what’s coming up!