Overview
Empowering Your Business Through Women-Owned Certification
Unlock new opportunities and position your business for growth with Women-Owned Business certification. Whether through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) or the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business (SBA WOSB) programs, certification can help you access government contracts, supplier diversity programs, and stand out in competitive markets.
The attorneys at Foster Swift make the process simple and strategic, so you can focus on growing your business. We partner with you every step of the way to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of certification.
How We Support Your Success
- Eligibility Assessment: We review your ownership, control, and operational structure to confirm you meet WBENC and SBA WOSB standards.
- Document Preparation & Review: We help you gather and organize the required documentation, including governance records, financial statements, and ownership agreements as required by the particular program at issue.
- Application Guidance: From start to finish, we guide you through completing your certification applications accurately and efficiently. You may delegate Foster Swift to submit certification applications on your behalf. With your authorization, our team can handle the entire submission process, ensuring that all documentation is properly prepared, submitted, and tracked. This allows you to focus on your business while we manage the logistical details of your certification application.
- Compliance & Governance Updates: We advise on any necessary changes to bylaws, operating agreements, or shareholder documents to meet certification criteria. However, please note that our attorneys are often only licensed to practice law in Michigan, and as such, we are unable to draft or review corporate documents governed by the laws of other states.
- Post-Certification Support: We help you maintain compliance, prepare for renewals, and leverage your certification for business development opportunities.
Certain Limitations
Please note that the scope of our representation will not include evaluating state law matters or drafting state-specific or organizational documents related to laws outside of Michigan. While we have supported clients in other states with WBENC and WOSB certification applications, we rely on your local counsel to address state law issues or prepare state-based documents, as our firm’s attorneys are predominately solely licensed in Michigan.
Why Certification Matters for Your Growth
- Access exclusive government contracting opportunities reserved for WOSBs.
- Gain visibility in corporate supplier diversity programs through WBENC.
- Enhance your credibility and competitive edge in the marketplace.
Meet Your Advisors
Our legal team bring deep experience in business law, governance, and compliance to help you achieve certification with confidence:
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Amanda Dernovshek – Employee Benefits & Business Law Amanda advises on and assists in navigating complex ownership structures, equity arrangements, and employee benefit considerations that impact certification eligibility. |
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Lindsey Mead – Business, Intellectual Property & Technology Lindsey ensures your governance documents align with certification requirements while protecting your brand and innovations. |
Other Resources
- Businesswomen Talking Podcast
- Interviews:
- WBENC and SBA certifications and how women-owned businesses can qualify, apply, and grow through them, Michigan Business Network
- Michigan-Focused Capital and Support Opportunities for Women-Owned Businesses
- Michigan Specific Women and/or Minority-Owned Business Certifications
- Women-Owned Business Certifications FAQs
Attorneys & Paralegals
Professionals
News & Resources
Events
Publications
Videos
Businesswomen Talking Podcast
VideoEpisode 17: A Discussion with Tracey Szuran, Owner of Vintage Vine Co.
VideoEpisode 16: A Discussion with Shamayim (“Mama Shu”) Harris of Avalon Village
VideoEpisode 15: A Discussion with Rachel (Champine) Clairmont of Reverie Wedding Co.
VideoEpisode 14: A Discussion with Kathy Valentine of The Plant Professionals, Inc.
VideoEpisode 13: A Discussion with Selina Máté of Peculiar Coffee Co.
VideoEpisode 12: A Discussion with Chanel Schoeneberger of Bluewater Technologies
VideoEpisode 11: A Discussion with Hannah Cary and Jaime Mancini of JH Solutions
VideoEpisode 10: A Discussion with Megan Shannon of Tiny Bit of Wood
VideoEpisode 9: A Discussion with Hillary Coleman of 1991greenery
VideoEpisode 8: A Discussion with Dr. Sarah Reckhow of Hooked Coffee
VideoEpisode 7: A Discussion with Monica "Nikki" Flores of Our Lansing Home
VideoEpisode 6: A Discussion with Emma Bostwick of LEAP
VideoEpisode 5: A Discussion with Abby Burnell of McCall Hamilton
VideoEpisode 4: A Discussion with Katie Davis of The Literacy Camp
VideoEpisode 3: A Discussion with Jessica Starks of Transworld
VideoEpisode 2: A Discussion with Julie Holton Smith of mConnexions
VideoEpisode 1: An Introduction to the Series


