Center for Technology and Business » Women's Business Questions
Women's Business Questions
(Also see Starting a Business FAQs)
How do I become certified as a Woman-Owned Business in North Dakota?
How do I renew my Woman-Owned Business certification?
Am I ready to start a business?
Are there grants to help fund a for-profit business?
Where can I obtain a loan to help start or grow my small business?
Does a woman-owned business qualify for minority programs?
What is a Standard Industrial Code and where do I find it?
Where do I find out about the other types of business certifications?
How do I get started in Government Contracting?
Where can I find tools and tips from the Government for my business?
What are some tax tips for someone just starting a business?
Question: How do I become certified as a Woman-Owned Business in North Dakota?
Answer: If you own a 51% stake in your company, you can become certified as a WOB in North Dakota. Fill out the short electronic application form, and you will receive a certificate in the mail. Your certification is good for two years. It costs $25 to apply the first year, and $15 to renew certification. If time sensitive, please call the office directly for faster processing; 701-223-0707.
Question: How do I renew my Woman-Owned Business certification?
Answer: Fill out the application form and send in your $15 renewal fee. You will receive a new certificate in the mail.
Question: Am I ready to start a business?
The Small Business Administration has many great resources on their site sba.gov. Check out their new Small Business Planner – a 5 minute questionnaire to help you decide if you are ready to start a business.
- The North Dakota Business Resource Guide is available online as well as in print and has a lot of good information.
- The SBA also offeres free online courses about starting a business, business management, financing and accounting, and more.
- Also check out the SBA most requested items page – links to their most requested pages are provided here.
Question: Are there grants to help fund a for-profit business?
Answer: Generally funding organizations do not provide grants to help fund a for-profit business, however several agencies including the Small Business Administration have low interest loan programs. Of the few grants that may provide funding to for-profit businesses they are for a very specific purpose and not for general business operating purposes. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) recommend that time generally would be better spent in working on improvements to your business rather than investing time in applying, performing the work required and reporting on the use of grant funds.
There is a federal grant program for small businesses titled the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. It is reserved for companies doing research and development and not intended to fund the operations of a company. Many states have programs that provide assistance in applying for SBIR grants.
Also check out the "Notes on Grants" from the Small Business Administration: http://www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/grants/index.html
Question: Where can I obtain a loan to help start or grow my small business?
Answer: The Small Business Administration has a number of programs to financially and technically assist developing small businesses. The SBA may be reached by phone at 202-205-6600, or toll-free at 1-800-UASKSBA. The Department of Commerce also has programs to assist small businesses. They may be contacted by phone at 202-482-2000.
Question: Does a woman-owned business qualify for minority programs?
Answer: The federal government has stated that women are not considered a minority group, however women may qualify for programs designed for economically or culturally disadvantaged groups. Several organizations have programs targeted for women in business: Business Women's Network, Count Me In, Digital-Women.com, Wachovia Women Business Owners, National Association of Women Business Owners, Center for Women's Business Research, and SBA Women's Business Centers. The SBA Prequalification Loan Program targets low income borrowers, disabled business owners, new and emerging businesses, veterans, exporters, rural and specialized industries.
Question: What is a Standard Industrial Code (SIC), and where do I find it?
Answer: The SIC is a United States government system for classifying industries by a four-digit code. Find your SIC code (PDF).
Question: Where do I find out about the other types of business certifications?
Answer: Visit the Certifications page on our website.
How do I get started in Government Contracting?
Answer: Visit the Government contracting page on our website.
Question: Where can I find tools and tips from the Government for my business?
Answer: Visit women-21.gov and check out the small business tools & tips section of the site. A lot of programs are housed in one easy directory here.
What are some tax tips for someone just starting a business?
Answer: Anyone starting or thinking of starting a new business should be aware of their federal tax responsibilities. View the the top seven things the IRS wants you to know if you plan on opening a new business this year.
