Presentation by:
COBID Certification and Working with Government
Presented by Ruth Miles & Carrie Hulse
Learn the requirements of certification and how to navigate the online application system; common problems experienced by business owners, how to deal with them and get help with questions and concerns.
These are two discrete programs; but the principals work together. Participants will get twice the bang for their buck in terms of time spent away from their business.
About COBID Certification
Government projects may have specific requirements or targets for their contracts to be awarded to minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and emerging small businesses. Certifying your business for as many certifications as qualified for helps make it possible to grow and overcome barriers.
Carrie Hulse, COBID Certification Program
Carrie Hulse is the Program Manager for the Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) at Business Oregon. COBID administers the socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise programs. The certification programs help to promote economic opportunities for small businesses and create a level playing field. Growing up in Southeast, Alaska, Carrie moved to Oregon in 2010, joining the office as a Certification Specialist. In this position, she worked with over 400 small businesses throughout the state, connecting them with opportunities, additional resources, and training. In 2013, Carrie became the Program Manager where she continues to foster her passion of assisting small businesses; working closely with the COBID team to provide the connections businesses need to become sustainable and grow.
Ruth Miles, Small Business Advocate, Office of the Secretary of State
Ruth works collaboratively with small businesses, nonprofits, state and local government to help streamline and improve Oregon’s business climate. She brings a unique combination of public and private sector experience to her work in the Secretary’s Office of Small Business Assistance. With 18 years of experience running small businesses, Ruth understands first-hand the challenges that entrepreneurs face. An avid kayaker, she comes to the Secretary of State after nine years in the legislative branch, where she helped constituents navigate the shifting waters and complexities of state government.