As a CEO and mother of two daughters, receiving an email notification announcing that Lion Tide Solutions is officially Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) was significant in so many ways. First, as the CEO of Lion Tide, the application process was lengthy and just completing it was a huge accomplishment. There is then a waiting period to hear feedback, any requests for information and then a final decision may take time, so hearing we had been approved and officially certified was the ultimate success! Not only does it allow us to forge our path under strong and determined leadership, but it allows for Lion Tide to reach our government customers and industry partners more effectively through WOSB set aside initiatives. It allows us to position ourselves strategically to give greater access to our leading industry experts and truly put Mission First, as has always been our motto. As a woman and mother of two girls, the significance of this classification is personally thrilling as it encourages more women into the defense field and hopefully toward entrepreneurship as well. These set asides are, however, merely an introduction to possibility, not a given. Partnerships and contracts still must be earned and awarded based on many, many factors including merit, past performance, and expertise, so there is much work ahead! But I honestly believe that certification through the SBA’s vetting process has also validated us as a strong small business and should prove that we are ready for growth and all the future holds.
