Business Certification: How to Increase Contracting Opportunities as a Certified Business
November 1, 2025
Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses. There are opportunities to sell to state and federal governments as well as local governments such as cites and counties. Getting Certified means getting visible so that government and private-sector buyers, wholesalers and consumers can easily identify products and services offered by diverse-owned businesses. Certification can help your business find more work with the government, get reduced interest rates on business loans, and more!
This presentation will cover small business certification through the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), and King County Small Contractor and Supplier Certification. Join us as we review the certification process and criteria as well as provide guidance on how to make the process as simple as possible.
This presentation will include:
- An Introduction to WBENC, OMWBE, & King County Certification
- Benefits of Certification
- Certification Basics
- Certification Qualifications
- The WBENC, OMWBE, & King County Application Process
About the Presenters:
JANICE R. GREENE, PhD
President and CEO
Dr. Janice Greene retired after a successful career with The Boeing Company. For 20 years, she led supplier diversity strategy, economic development, and business intelligence. Dr. Greene maintained strategic alliances with domestic and international agencies and external providers to support supply chain inclusion strategies. In addition to expertise in the supply chain, she has over 15 years of experience in manufacturing and operations.
In August 2017, Dr. Greene assumed the role of President and CEO of WBEC-Pacific, an exciting opportunity to pursue her passion for economic development for women-owned businesses. She continues to be a key individual in the future of equitable business development domestically and internationally.
Active in the community, Dr. Greene currently serves as President of the Snohomish County NAACP and on the Board of Snohomish Ebony Political Action Committee. As President of NAACP Snohomish County, she actively provides guidance and support to organizations on equity and inclusion of diverse communities.
Dr. Janice Greene is also a member of Zonta International, The League of Women Voters. She currently serves on the Boards of Snohomish Ebony Political Action Committee, and Snohomish County Future Workforce Alliance Board. I addition, Dr. Greene has served on several executive boards, including WEConnect International, a global organization focused on creating opportunities for women-owned businesses. She works closely with business development organizations with a focus on under-served entrepreneurs.
Dr. Greene has a BS in Business Administration, an MS in Management from Antioch University, and a Ph.D. from Skema Business School.
Sharon Harvey
Assistant Director, Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
https://omwbe.wa.gov/
Sharon Harvey is the Assistant Director for Certification, Audit, and Support Services at the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). She joined OMWBE in September 2020 as a Certification Compliance and Training Analyst for the Certification Unit. In February 2022, Ms. Harvey was appointed to the Assistant Director position. She graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law with a concentration in business law. Her interest in business law and passion for gender and racial justice led her to work for OMWBE. She is a resident of Olympia and loves spending quality time with family and friends.
Laura Preftes
Business Development and Contract Compliance, King County Finance and Business Operations Division (BDCC)
Laura Preftes is a Business Development and Contract Specialist in King Country’s Finance and Business Operations Division. Laura implements small business programs such as the Equity and Social Justice Innovation Plan and the King County Regional Small Contractor and Supplier certification. She works with project managers and procurement staff throughout King County to develop small business incentives on King County contracts. Prior to her work at King County, Laura was the business and marketing manager at two successful women-owned civil engineering firms in the Seattle area.
This session was recorded 4/28/2022
