Business Programs and Certifications
Driving Transformation, Innovation & Impact
Understanding your business
We collaborate with sponsor agencies and businesses alike. Our approach with our clients identifies certification opportunities, interprets and applies policies and regulatory changes, establishes and maintains effective business programs, and we conduct community outreach.
Our comprehensive support includes assessing organizational culture and values, creating strategic and implementation plans, designing communication strategies, and establishing metrics to measure and track performance. We provide expert consultations, benchmarking against industry best practices, and developing strategic recommendations.
Defining DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is more than just a corporate initiative—it is a powerful strategy for building resilient, forward-thinking organizations that thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Diversity is a driving force behind innovation, offering fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and transformative problem-solving. It’s about intentionally building teams that reflect a variety of genders, cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic experiences, and neurodiverse talents—because when different voices are heard, better solutions emerge.
A truly diverse workforce doesn’t just enhance creativity; it ensures that products, services, and strategies resonate with a broader audience, reducing blind spots and unintended biases, at the same time reflecting the community you serve. The result? A stronger, more competitive organization that thrives in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Equity is the commitment to dismantling barriers, ensuring access, opportunity, and resources are distributed fairly for all to succeed. Companies that include a focus on equity in the workplace do not assume all employees have the same access to growth opportunities. They provide things like mentorship, executive coaching and assessments of internal pay equity, ensuring all salaries are competitive and fair across race, gender and job roles. The result is an organization where employees feel valued and empowered, leading to stronger retention and engagement of top talent.
Inclusion is the active practice of cultivating environments where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered to contribute. Organizations that value inclusion offer things like structured meeting formats where each member has the opportunity to contribute and training on inclusive language to ensure employees feel seen and respected. This results in overall company success because employees feel empowered regardless of personality type, background or location.
Are you ready to transform your workplace?
True DEI is not a checkbox or a department—it’s a competitive advantage. It fuels growth, enhances collaboration, and builds workplaces that attract and retain top talent. Companies that embed DEI at their core don’t just follow trends—they set them, shaping industries, markets, and the future of work. Let's build something extraordinary—together.
Response to DEI-Related Executive Orders
Strengthening Your Workforce While Ensuring Compliance
With deep expertise in DEI program management and equity services, we provide strategic guidance to help municipal government departments navigate evolving funding and regulatory requirements. Our tailored approach ensures full compliance with evolving guidance while maintaining a strong, high-performing workforce. We help you refine existing initiatives, optimize resources, and uphold the core values that drive organizational success—ensuring your team remains engaged, inclusive, and aligned with your mission. Through this process, we ensure your team stays unified during organizational and position realignments while maintaining engagement and alignment with your mission.
Program Management DBE/ACDBE/WBE/MBE/VBE/SBA
We provide comprehensive training in the development and oversight of Business Programs, including program development, fulfilling certification requirements, goal setting, performance tracking and reporting, and business outreach initiatives.
Organizations today must focus on meeting the compliance requirements for all aspects of the various programs, and performing outreach efforts to attract diverse businesses to contracting opportunities. The cutting-edge organizations go as far as providing information and education services targeted at preparing potential contractors for opportunities by offering small business support services.
The development and administration of an effective Business Program includes the oversight of the following small business-based programs:
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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
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Airport Concessions Disadvantage Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
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Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Programs.
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Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Programs
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Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
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Small Business Administration 8a (SBA 8a)
Certification Management & Consulting
For businesses seeking to secure work with state, municipal or federal government sponsors or join teams as subcontractors, obtaining certification as a small business can be a game-changer. However, the certification process often demands a significant investment of time and effort to understand and navigate—akin to mastering a new language—all while managing daily business operations.
ACS’ Business Certification Consulting is designed to guide businesses through this complex process, ensuring successful certification on the first application. Beyond certification, we help businesses establish a strong foundation for growth by supporting brand development, crafting compelling pitches, and creating professional materials. In the next phase, we facilitate strategic introductions and matchmaking with sponsors and prime contractors, connecting your business with decision-makers who may need your services right away.
Phases for Certification
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Phase I Certification & Agency Support
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Phase II Commercializing the Business
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Phase II Deliberate Match-Making with Sponsors and Prime Contractors
Community Outreach
Businesses must know that resources and certifications are available to them. Through our community outreach services, we help both sponsor and certification agencies as well as businesses get a clear understanding of what certifications and programs will aid in their access to funding and capital.
Service Overview
For Agencies:
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Research Community Business Interest
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Organize & Promote Outreach Sessions
For Businesses:
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Educating Businesses on Agency-Recognized Certifications
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Learn What Certifications Benefit Your Small Business
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Understanding Available Small Business Resources and Affiliate Programs