through partnership with Great Lakes Women’s Business Council

Lansing, MI – The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) today announced it is partnering with the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council to offer its members a Women Business Enterprise certification. This distinction for majority women-owned businesses offers educational support through trainings, coaching and mentoring programs, and expanded visibility in corporate supply chain diversity, governmental agencies and other procurement organizations. 

“We are thrilled to be offering this new certification to our members,” said Michelle Beebe, Chief Revenue Officer of SBAM. “A Women Business Enterprise certification will pave the way to countless opportunities for our women-owned businesses, making valuable new local, state and national connections as potential partners. 

“In our ever-changing entrepreneurial landscape, our members will especially benefit from the mentoring, coaching and networking prospects offered by the Women Business Enterprise certification.” 

Women Business Enterprises, or WBE, are independent, at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, whose management or daily operation is controlled by a woman within the industry. Businesses with WBE certification will be confirmed to contain each of these elements as well as gain access to many WBENC opportunities. In addition to this, certified businesses will also gain access to over 10,000 certified WBE’s to purchase services or participate in potential partnerships.

The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council is one of 14 certifying partner organizations nationally for the WBE certification. It also offers access to capital, corporate contracting opportunities and educational support for small businesses with a women and/or minority-owned distinction. 

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The Small Business Association of Michigan focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community through advocacy, collaboration and buying power. Today they serve over 32,000 members in all 83 counties of Michigan. SBAM is located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Images courtesy of SBAM