A Youngstown-based marketing agency has earned dual certifications from the U.S. Small Business Development Administration that gives the firm access to federal contracts and other resources, giving it a competitive edge.

MARQUEE Creatives LLC announced Tuesday the Women-Owned Small Business and the Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business credentials.

“This milestone positions our team to expand our presence in federal and state contracting, and it is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality services and contributing to economic development,” Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, president, said in a news release.

The new certifications are in addition to the Ohio Women Business Enterprise certification MARQUEE earned in March 2022.

With them, the agency can compete for contracts with corporations based in the U.S. and government-owned entities at the state and federal levels, according to the release, which also states the U.S. government aims to give at least 5% of all contracting dollars a year to women-owned small businesses.

The release states SBA certification gives businesses like Heschmeyer’s “a competitive edge.” Access to the federal contracts, help with business development and networking, the release states certified companies are “better equipped to grow, sustain operations and thrive,” even in tough economic times.

“The firm is now poised to take full advantage of these opportunities as it continues to expand its reach,” the release states.

MARQUEE also is a member of the Ohio APEX Accelerator at Youngstown State University. The program supports companies in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties in navigating government contracting as well as training and guidance on certifications, bid-matching contract opportunities, bid preparation and the government supply chain at no cost to Ohio businesses, the release states.

The Women-Owned Small Business program, which started in 2011, allows certified businesses to compete for federal contracts in industries where women-owned small businesses are underrepresented. Also, businesses designated an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business can compete for contracts specifically set aside for them in certain sectors.