Data Means embraces diversity and welcomes other companies large and small to contact us for potential business opportunities and partnerships. If your company is interested in partnering with Data Means send us an email at Diversity.

Small Businesses Information

In order to consider small businesses capabilities most major corporations require that the small businesses is certified by a third party credentialing company and register on their company supplier web site.

The certification process is not complex but takes time to gather and organize all the documents: past two years of company tax returns, profit and lost statement, references, resumes of the owners, NAIC codes, insurance certificate…etc.

Small business size standards are defined by the SBA based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). See the SBA Table of Small Business Size Standards.

Small businesses should register in CCR (This database is part of the US Governments Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and get D&B® D-U-N-S® Number , the industry standard for business listings. If you wish to be considered as a Small Disadvantaged Business or a HUB Zone small business, you must be certified through the SBA. To learn about eligibility requirements for these programs and how to become certified, please visit the SBA site site or HUB Zone site.

Minority-owned businesses can apply for certification through a regional council of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Women-owned businesses can apply for certification through a local Women Business Enterprise National Council affiliate.

Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran owned businesses can be registered with the Center for Veterans Enterprise.

The more certifications the better.

Note that certifications are not to be considered as a guarantee for conducting business with major corporations. Companies select suppliers based on several factors, including pricing, delivery capabilities, service, innovation, etc.

Thorough out the year there are a number of trade shows and events that make it easier for small businesses to network and learn more about business opportunities.

If you are going to pursue certifications, you must make the commitment to register in each potential client supplier web site, develop a business plan, go to the trade shows and different events through the year.

Feel free to drop us a line with any questions at Diversity.