Women-Owned Business & How We Fit In

Christine Dilley has obtained certifications recognizing MAD Scientist Associates as a woman-owned business (WOB). Being a WOB allows MAD to establish new relationships with teaming partners and expand the kinds of clients they can serve. Many government entities and corporations establish a certain percentage of their contract awards for disadvantaged businesses, such as woman, minority, and veteran owned businesses to provide equal opportunities. MAD is among the less than 1% of the current 12.3 million women business owners that are certified. Once certified, they are identified as Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).

Locally, MAD’s WBE certifications include EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity program), which enables economically and socially underutilized businesses to grow and to boost the number of competitors across various business genres, City of Columbus WBE, and state of Ohio WBE. Nationally, MAD holds Women Business Enterprise certification through WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council), which also offers training and opportunities to help women-owned businesses flourish. Federally, MAD also holds the WOSB (SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program) certification that approves MAD as a WBE to be considered for federal projects.

It was through Christine’s membership with NAWBO Columbus (National Association of Woman Business Owners) that she learned about the value of WOB certifications, as well as the benefits of connecting with other area woman business owners to leverage one another’s experiences and networks to grow their businesses and positively contribute to the economy. Additionally, NAWBO advocates for woman-owned businesses at the local and national levels when there is an issue impacting them. Christine built upon her NAWBO membership by participating in committees and serving initially on the board of directors as the Vice-President of Corporate Partners, and currently as Vice-President of Communications. Not only has Christine developed as a leader, but she has also grown her business on relationships gained through the organization by utilizing the services of other members and corporate partners in the areas of legal expertise, banking, finances, human resources, insurance, payroll, supplies, and various business trainings. Being a part of NAWBO and WBENC since 2015 and 2017, respectively, has been a game changer in enabling MAD to grow as a business.