159: Demystifying MWBE Certification: Navigating the Process & Unleashing Business Opportunities w/ Sheena Thomas
Starting a business is an exciting endeavor, but it comes with its fair share of challenges, especially for Black and women entrepreneurs. One of the ways to address these challenges and unlock incredible growth potential is through MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) certification. In this episode, we are joined by a distinguished expert, Sheena Thomas, who brings over 25 years of experience in supplier diversity and certification programs.
As the first Black woman Executive Director of the only two regional certification agencies in Texas, Sheena has been at the forefront of certifying over 40,000 combined applicants annually. Her extensive knowledge and expertise make her the perfect person to discuss the importance of MWBE certification and its impact on minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- The Importance of MWBE Certification
- Overcoming Common Misconceptions and Hurdles in the MWBE Certification Process
- What MWBE Certification Can Do for Your Business
- The Process of Obtaining MWBE Certification
- The Impact of MWBE Certification on Business Growth and Scaling
- Strategies to Get in Front of Businesses and Utilize MWBE Certification
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
About Sheena Thomas:
Sheena Thomas launched Lengo Strategic Partners in 2016 and provided certification management services to minority and women business owners helping them obtain their Disadvantaged, Minority, & Women-owned Business Enterprise certifications. In addition to that, LSP also develops supplier diversity programs for corporate clients. As the first Black woman Executive Director of the only two regional certification agencies in Texas, she was responsible for certifying over 40,000 combined applicants annually. She is a published author and debuted in her first collaborative project, Building Beyond the 9 to 5: Inspirational Lessons from Successful Black Women.
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