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Running a business is a huge undertaking, especially if you’re a female entrepreneur. Despite progress in gender equality across most sectors of society, women-owned businesses still face unique challenges in the marketplace.
Bank of America 2023 questionnaire found that 31% of female business owners said they’d difficulty accessing capital, while 31% felt they didn’t have the right information or qualifications to feel confident applying for capital.
Another ongoing challenge for women-owned businesses is gaining consumer trust. Although about 40% of all small businesses In the United States, 46% of girls are experiencing gender bias while running your online business.
One option to overcome these obstacles is through customer-facing business certifications. These independent, third-party assessments can increase your credibility with each potential lenders and customers.
Just as an A+ health rating in a restaurant window can encourage recent customers to try a recent restaurant or help retain regular customers, achieving independent certification may help women-owned businesses build trust with customers and lenders in their offerings.
Today’s certifications cover a number of areas, including environmental impact, ethical business practices, and supplier diversity. These certifications may help define your house, values, and ethics, in addition to those of other corporations in the marketplace. And while some certifications are harder to acquire than others, putting in the work required pays off in the long term, bringing many advantages that may increase your organization’s bottom line.
Improving your brand story
Business certifications assist you to share and communicate your organization values to your store. They show customers what you stand for and what is most vital to your online business. When customers see your online business has a certification badge, they understand that your online business meets certain standards and requirements. This helps to reinforce your brand story.
Building trust through transparency
Customers will appreciate the transparency and commitment to the standards that certifications require and the efforts your organization makes to fulfill them. By undergoing the certification process, your organization commits to the relevant requirements and goals of the certification. This builds consumer trust because they know they are supporting a company that upholds high standards.
Joining a community of like-minded people
Business certifications can provide business owners access to a network of other businesses that share similar values. By joining a certified network, you gain access to events, forums, and partnerships that may help your online business grow and thrive with like-minded individuals. This community will be an invaluable source of support, collaboration, mentoring, recent opportunities, and growth.
Supporting business development
Companies with the same certification are more more likely to work with you because they share the same values and missions. This can result in recent partnership and collaboration opportunities, and ultimately, can increase the company’s customer base.
Increasing visibility, awareness and associations
Having business certifications can make your online business more attractive to corporations and customers looking for partners or suppliers with similar values. Business certifications are a great option to stand out in a market flooded with consumer options. It also doesn’t hurt to have your online business affiliated with other respected certified corporations.
When selecting the best certificate for your organization, it is price keeping in mind Simon Sinek’s guidelines The Golden Circle Modelwhich consists of three concentric circles: why, how, and what.
It emphasizes the importance of starting with the “why” when communicating a brand’s value proposition. According to Sinek, the “Why”“ represents the core purpose, beliefs, and values of an organization. It is the emotional driving force behind what they do. The “How” describes the unique approach or process that sets the organization apart. And the “What” refers to the tangible products or services the organization offers.
People are inspired by shared purpose, causes, and beliefs. Customers don’t just buy products or services; they buy underlying purpose and values. By achieving certifications that align with your vision and values, you effectively communicate your “why” to your customers, attracting loyal brand evangelists who consider in your mission.
The most vital certificates to think about
Certification for Women-Owned Businesses
This case law verifies that a business is at least 51% owned, controlled and managed by a woman or women. It helps clients and other businesses support women-owned businesses. For women-owned businesses, this network will be inspiring, because it offers the opportunity to attach with other women, share experiences and support each other in dealing with the challenges they face.
Certified B Corporation
Certified B Corporations meet high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency regarding aspects comparable to worker advantages and charitable giving, supply chain practices, and inputs. This certification is ideal for corporations committed to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. Having a certification like B Corporation shows your audience that your organization is not only about making a profit, but also about making a positive impact on the world.
Climate neutrality certification
Climate Neutrality Certificate shows that sustainability is a part of your brand’s core values. This certification demonstrates your commitment to reducing and even eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. It is a popular and well-recognized certification that may attract environmentally conscious customers to your online business.
Fair Trade Certification
This case law is for corporations that are committed to moral sourcing, ensuring that products meet rigorous social, environmental and economic standards. It’s a powerful option to exhibit your commitment to fair trade practices, especially towards women and minority staff.
Obtaining business certifications isn’t just about adding a badge to your online business; it’s about enhancing your brand story, building consumer trust, joining a supportive community, increasing business growth, and increasing visibility. For women-owned businesses, these certifications may help them overcome the unique challenges and barriers they face on their business trip.