Prime Highlights :
- Olive Orchard received both WBENC and WOSB certifications, recognising it as a woman-owned business.
- Founder Marcy Sizemore said the certifications open new opportunities to work with corporate teams and agencies.
Key Facts :
- Olive Orchard is a boutique coaching and consulting firm founded on principles of growth and support.
- WOSB certification allows eligible firms to compete for federal contracts reserved for women-owned small businesses.
Background :
Boutique coaching and consulting firm Olive Orchard has earned two national certifications recognising its status as a woman-owned business, the company announced this week.
The firm received Women’s Business Enterprise certification from the Greater Women’s Business Council, a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, along with Women-Owned Small Business certification from the US Small Business Administration. The WBENC certification is considered a leading standard for women-owned businesses in the country, while the WOSB designation allows Olive Orchard to compete for federal contracts set aside for women-owned small firms.
Olive Orchard founder Marcy Sizemore said the certifications marked a meaningful milestone for the business, noting that it was built on the idea that people grow best when they feel seen, supported and challenged. She added that the recognitions connected the firm to a wider community of women-owned businesses and opened new opportunities to work with corporate teams, agencies and leaders.
The WBENC certification process, carried out by the Greater Women’s Business Council, involves a detailed review of the business along with a site inspection to confirm it is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by women, along with having sound business planning in place. The WOSB certification similarly verifies majority ownership and control by women, enabling eligible firms to take part in federal contracting programmes.
Through interaction with women-owned enterprises, companies and government organizations have a chance to improve their supplier diversity programs that would be geared toward building a sustainable economy. Furthermore, being certified through the WBENC program enables organizations to participate in lifelong professional learning.
