Hammond-based C WHITT PR has been certified by the State of Indiana as a Women/Minority-owned business.

Owner and CEO Chelsea Whittington said the accomplishment will yield greater visibility of her firm. She is hopeful that it will lead to the procurement of government contracts.

The certification affords Whittington the opportunity to provide marketing and public relations services to Indiana government and business entities. C WHITT PR is now listed on the Indiana Department of Administration website for thousands of vendors to consider.

“Earning this certification has been on my bucket list for quite some time,” Whittington said in a press release. “After attending a couple of seminars, bending the ear of a few colleagues and enlisting the help of a professional, I finally got it done, and it feels amazing.”

To complete the certification process, Whittington sought the assistance of Lois Whittaker. Whittaker owns Royalty Strategic Consultants and founded the Black Chamber of Commerce of Northern Indiana.

“The process of becoming certified as a women/minority-owned business is not as complicated as most think, however, it does require a commitment of time to gather documentation and patience to trust the process,” Whittaker said. “Chelsea was willing to do this with enthusiasm and checked all the boxes on my request list.”

Whittington said Whittaker sent her a list of documents and proof that she would need to submit. Whittaker reviewed her application, made suggestions and edits and then submitted it.

About 6 weeks later, Whittington received a letter of congratulations. She waited to release the news at the start of March, which is Women’s History Month.

“I think Women’s History Month was the perfect time to share a story of inspiration to fellow entrepreneurs,” Whittington said. “Small business owners have challenges but wins like these serve as motivators to keep going.”