My name is Danielle M Chery, and I am the founder and CEO at DMC Original Art. Since 2021, my company has been listed on the Buy From A Black Woman online directory, an affiliation that has significantly contributed to our substantial growth. As a dedicated member of BFABW, I have personally experienced empowering professional development, primarily due to the invaluable educational resources the organization provides.
Applying For The Program
Earlier this year, Buy From A Black Woman announced the opportunity to apply for their third Black Woman Accelerator Program, which targeted the Minority Business Enterprise certification in partnership with the National Minority Supplier Development Council, sponsored by H&M. The mission of the program was to support qualified Black women business owners by expediting the MBE certification process.
I was thrilled when I received the acceptance notification for my participation, because I recognized the transformative potential it held for my company to propel us to an entirely new platform of success. I had the honor of joining a cohort that included a total of 15 Black women business owners. Over the course of six weeks, we gathered virtually to prepare for the certification application. And at the end of the course we celebrated by submitting our applications together, as a symbol of community and an affirmed reminder that Black women deserve success.
Getting The Certification
I recently received notification that my MBE certification application was processed and approved!
As a Black woman business owner, witnessing the challenges of a fast-paced business landscape, it is refreshing when opportunities such as attaining this certification become a reality. It's essential to be able to tap into resources designed to empower underrepresented communities, and I am excited to experience firsthand the transformative power of certification and the doors it can open for my business.
During this program, as a group, we had the privilege of engaging with dedicated counselors who offered invaluable legal and financial advice. They guided us through the process of gathering and organizing essential documents required for certification as an MBE. Their expertise and support were instrumental in navigating the intricacies of certification, ensuring that our businesses met all the necessary criteria.
Benefits of the Certification
Being certified as an MBE holds immense value in today's corporate landscape, where diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognized as essential components of success. The MBE certification opens doors to partnerships with corporations actively seeking to diversify their suppliers. This certification serves as a testament to the quality, credibility, and competitive advantage of a Black-owned business like mine. Some highlights of having an MBE-certified company includes:
Access to New Opportunities: Certification as an MBE expands my business horizons, giving me access to a vast network of corporate buyers and procurement professionals. Through the NMSDC's extensive network, I now have the opportunity to engage with corporations committed to supplier diversity initiatives. These partnerships can lead to increased sales, new contracts, and long-term business relationships.
Competitive Advantage: In a world where companies strive to stand out, MBE certification positions my business as a frontrunner. It showcases my commitment to excellence and diversification. Many corporations recognize the added value of partnering with diverse suppliers, not only for meeting their diversity goals but also for accessing unique perspectives, innovation, and fresh ideas.
Enhanced Credibility and Trust: The MBE certification acts as a stamp of credibility, instilling trust among potential clients, partners, and investors. By aligning with the NMSDC and its rigorous certification process, my business gains recognition as a reliable, high-quality supplier. This trust can be a game-changer when seeking new business opportunities and building long-term partnerships.
Grateful For The Experience
Participating in the Black Woman Accelerator Program in partnership with NMSDC, sponsored by H&M, has been a transformative experience for my business. The legal and financial guidance received, combined with the opportunity to obtain MBE certification, has opened up a world of possibilities. As a certified MBE, I am now positioned to collaborate with corporations seeking to diversify their suppliers, unlocking new avenues for growth and success. Embracing diversity and supporting underrepresented businesses is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a strategic move that fuels innovation and drives economic empowerment.
Thank you, Buy From a Black Woman and H&M, for supporting DMC Original Art on the journey of economic growth. I’m grateful and excited for the opportunities that will develop for my company with this MBE certification, because Black women truly deserve success.