What is the Get Certified Pilot Program (GCP)?
The GCP is a no-cost two-week, accelerator-style course designed to equip minority business enterprises owned or operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) with the skills to apply for business certification as a minority, woman, or veteran business enterprise. This program is a partnership between the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Minority Business Initiative (MBI) and Ivy Tech Community College, Lake County and Allen County campuses. Participants in the GCP will not only get hands-on technical assistance and support for their certification application, but also receive valuable insight on upcoming opportunities for diverse suppliers across Ivy Tech’s network of campuses.
How is the Program Structured?
Applicants accepted into the GCP will be required to attend a mandatory virtual orientation session on Tuesday, September 10 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm CT, 7:00pm to 8:00pm ET. Accepted participants will then have two mandatory in-person sessions – Thursday, September 12 and Thursday, September 19. These in-person class sessions will be facilitated at one of two campuses of the participant’s choosing:
- Ivy Tech Lake County, Crown Point Campus - 9900 Connecticut Dr, Crown Point, IN 46307
- Ivy Tech Allen County, Fort Wayne Campus - 3800 N Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
In-person class sessions at the Ivy Tech Lake County campus will be held from 6:00pm to 7:30pm CT. In-person class sessions at the Ivy Tech Allen County campus will be held from 7:00pm to 8:30pm ET.
Between each class session, participants can participate in optional office hours for individualized support and specific questions. Office hours will be hosted virtually on Tuesday, September 17; Tuesday, September 24; and Thursday, September 26. Office hours are held from 6:00pm to 7:00pm CT, 7:00pm to 8:00pm ET.
Who should apply to this program?
Businesses applying to the GCP are required to complete the no-cost pre-course webinar and identify themselves as good fits for business certification. Businesses applying to the GCP should meet the following requirements for business certification with the Indiana Department of Administration (or other certifying agencies if interested.)
At least 51% of the business is owned or controlled by a qualified minority, woman, or veteran
The individual that will be applying for business certification is a United States citizen
The business filed tax returns for the 2023 year
The business is for-profit and currently generating revenue.
The business is organized or incorporated in the state of Indiana
How will my business get certified through this program?
The GCP is purposed to give you the technical knowledge to start, complete, and receive approval for certification with the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA.) While IDOA certification will be the focus of the program, other certifying agencies and their certifications will be covered for interested businesses. The program WILL NOT complete any certification application on behalf of the business, NOR guarantee approval of any certification application, NOR guarantee contracts for any business. Rather, this program is intended to provide hands-on assistance for SEDI-owned or -operated businesses to navigate the certification application process easier and faster. Just think, the faster you complete your certification application and get approved, the faster you can enter the market of buyers looking to purchase products and services with diverse supplier businesses like yours!
Who is instructing this class?
The course will be instructed by Joanne Tica, certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) by the state of Indiana as well as a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the SBA. Joanne is a Certification Specialty Advisor for the Minority Business Initiative and has dedicated hundreds of hours in 1:1 and group advising to MBEs, helping them understand their unique pathway to certification and successful contracting as a business.
Can I apply to this program at a later date?
The MBI is excited to host our pilot cycle of the Get Certified Program in September 2024. We are looking to launch additional cycles at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025. Be sure to click the link here to stay in the loop about upcoming cycles of the Get Certified Program in various regions across the state. In the meantime, you’re invited to watch our no-cost, 30-minute webinar, which will provide you with foundational knowledge about business certification and government contracting, and help you determine if your business is a good fit for business certification with the IDOA.
