Certification for Disadvantaged, Women, Minority, Veteran, and LGBTE-owned businesses.
With over 25 years of legal experience, Susan Dawson is a trusted advisor to certified businesses, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). Together with her team, Susan is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by guiding them through the complexities of certification, compliance, and growth in both public and private sectors.
As seasoned strategists, Navigant excels in drafting compelling certification applications, helping clients articulate their unique stories and demonstrate eligibility with clarity and confidence. We understand that certification is more than a designation—it’s a gateway to opportunity—and we work closely with clients to ensure their narratives reflect the strength, resilience, and value they bring to the marketplace.
When not advocating for her clients, Susan frequently speaks at industry events and conducts workshops on certification readiness, supplier diversity, and legal best practices for small businesses. Susan also serves as General Counsel for DBEs of America, a 501(c)4 pending NFP comprised of DBEs and focused on educating and empowering disadvantage business enterprises across the country.
Get the certification you need to help your business grow
Obtaining a certification can be a complex and demanding process. The attorneys and paralegals at Navigant Law have significant experience representing and advising businesses through the certification process by:
- Determining the appropriate certifying agency.
- Structuring your company to meet the guidelines for a successful application.
- Completing or reviewing the application and exhibits needed for the application.
- Providing assistance with follow up questions/requests from the certifying agency.
- Evaluating an appeal and any decisions to decertify from the certifying agency.
DBE Recertification and Personal Narratives
Maintaining your Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification is essential for staying eligible for federal, state, and local contracting opportunities. Our DBE recertification services help you complete your personal narrative and personal net worth statement within UCP guidelines — ensuring your business remains fully compliant with all DBE program requirements.
Trusted DBE Recertification Support
Our team provides comprehensive guidance throughout the entire DBE recertification process, helping you avoid costly mistakes and maintain uninterrupted certification status.
Our DBE Recertification Services include:
- Personal Narrative Review. We analyze your narratives to ensure they align with DBE eligibility requirements and address common agency review criteria.
- Drafting Tailored Personal Narratives. Personal narratives are a critical part of DBE recertification process. They help agencies verify compliance with DBE requirements under the new Final Rule. Navigant can we create customized, compelling statements that highlight your disadvantage and the incidents and experiences you’ve faced. Each narrative is crafted to strengthen your DBE recertification application and present your story clearly and professionally.
- DBE Recertification Preparation & Submission. We prepare and organize your full DBE recertification package, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely submission to your certifying agency.
Trusted DBE Application Support
Our DBE Application Services include:
- DBE Application Preparation & Submission. We prepare and organize your full DBE recertification package, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely submission to your certifying agency.
- Eligibility & Compliance Assessment. If your business has experienced changes in ownership, management, structure, or revenue, we evaluate how these updates may affect your DBE eligibility and help you address potential issues proactively.
- Communication With Certifying Agencies. We manage all communication with your DBE certifying authority, including responses to requests for additional information (RAIs), follow-up questions, and compliance inquiries.
- Deadline Tracking & Renewal Management. Never miss a renewal deadline. We track your DBE recertification schedule and provide reminders to keep your certification active year after year.
Structuring and Joint Ventures
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are limited by revenue and personal net worth caps. Businesses that grow beyond these caps lose their DBE certification – and, by default, their lucrative DBE contracts.
Navigant Law works with our clients to create business structures that allow you to maximize your growth opportunities and lessen the impact of these caps. We provide you with proactive strategic advice related to business and joint venture structuring.
Set Up a Consultation With Our Team
Give us a call at (847) 253-8800 or complete the form to get in touch with our legal team.