Today we’re going to jump right in with a fun announcement we can’t wait to share: Sassafras has recently earned the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification from Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Tell me a little more
Sassafras completed a rigorous certification process through WBENC, which is put in place to confirm that businesses seeking certification are owned, managed, and controlled by a woman or women. WBENC believes that diversity promotes innovation, opens doors, and creates partnerships that fuel the economy.
The benefit of becoming certified through WBENC is access to best-in-class programming, events and networking opportunities. Access to supplier diversity experts, government and corporate procurement professionals, and other industry and thought leaders throughout the U.S. A few criteria for gaining certification included:
Proof that the company was at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned and controlled by one or more women
Proof that management and daily operation is controlled by one or more of the women
A thorough review of the documentation presented and a site visit interview with the female owner
Influencing Women in the Workplace
Now more than ever before, focus and attention have been given to topics of diversity and women’s influence in the workplace. Statistics tell us that more than 11.6 million firms are owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people, and generating $1.7 trillion in sales as of 2017. Those numbers will continue to rise and it’s important for women-owned businesses to support one another. This certification helps businesses do just that.
Sassafras owner Jenny Holton has attended several WBENC events, including the National Conference and Business Fair. Jenny says: “Being a part of WBENC provides a great opportunity to network with other women-owned businesses to share triumphs and struggles and problem-solve together. It also gives unprecedented access to business leaders from top brands and organizations in the U.S.”
As a small woman-owned business, Sassafras will continue to be part of this organization and leverage the education, support and tools it provides in order to help us grow and succeed.