Give your clients credit!
PRI nationally certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise
Clients with a diversity program in their own corporation or conducting business with a government entity,
are probably required to track credits for the use of minority- and women-owned businesses. Many not
only track diversity within their own corporate structure, but they also align themselves with suppliers
and professionals who have a diversity program as one of their business goals. They require that the
supplier have an independent third-party certification that validates the ownership and management of
the business is minority or women owned.
The Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) is the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses
as suppliers to America's corporations. WBENC works to foster diversity for businesses in the U.S. and
provides a national standard of certification for women-owned businesses. The WBENC mission statement:
"The Women's Business Enterprise National Council is dedicated to advancing the success of certified
women's business enterprises, government agencies and corporate members in partnership with its affiliated
women's business organizations."
It is impossible for a company to ensure the ownership of suppliers. That is why certification by the WBENC is not only
approved, but requested, by most national corporations. To become certified as a women's business enterprise (WBE), a
company must prove it is at least 51% owned, controlled and daily managed and operated by one or more of the women owners.
The business must go through a rigorous and stringent certification process by submitting an application and necessary
supporting documentation. It then goes to committee for review. If favorably reviewed, an on-site visit is conducted and
a final recommendation is made regarding the applicant's eligibility.
Professional Reporters, Inc. (PRI) takes pride in being a certified women's business enterprise;
you can download our
WBENC certificate here. Show that you appreciate and support diversity by working with
a certified WBE.
PRI has been owned and operated by Linda Sturm since 1980. Linda is the sole owner, officer and shareholder of
Professional Reporters, Inc.
EDGE – State of Ohio Certification
As its name suggests, the State of Ohio's EDGE program provides an EDGE to small businesses by Encouraging
Diversity, Growth and Equity in public contracting. EDGE is an assistance program for economically and
socially disadvantaged business enterprises. The State of Ohio developed the program because it is committed
to making all state contracts, services, benefits and opportunities available without discriminating on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or ancestry.