CTCC, the parent company of Soybu, is now a federally recognized, women-owned small business.
Denver, CO. – In 1972, there were 402,000 women-owned businesses in the U.S., according to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Forty-six years later, that number climbed to 12.3 million, and it continues to grow. Joining the ranks, Colorado Trading & Clothing Company (CTCC), a Denver wholesale manufacturer of activewear and outdoor apparel, received the federal certification to be recognized as a women-owned small business (WOSB) at the start of 2019.
“We could not be more excited,” CTCC’s CEO and co-founder Tina Schmitt said. “Empowering women is a central part of our mission, so receiving this recognition and certification to officially hold the title of a women-owned small business is a great step in our journey. It comes right after celebrating 20 years in business, bringing on a new design team for Soybu, our women’s activewear brand, and launching new marketing initiatives.”
So, what does it mean to be an official, women-owned small business? WOSBs hold a federally recognized status that enables companies and federal agencies to provide them with unique business opportunities before offering it to other businesses. It also provides CTCC and its brands, like Soybu, the opportunity to accept awards of business and/or participation in the government bidding process for apparel-related transactions; one of the largest spending sectors in the federal government.
“This designation provides another way for us to differentiate from competitors, and it continues our mission as a women-managed company to empower women – in part, through our brands,” Carolyn Hadden, CTCC’s COS and CFO, said. CTCC is the parent company of multiple brands, including Soybu and Colorado Clothing (CC). CTCC uses both brands to support women.
Soybu focuses on empowering women to feel comfortable and confident in who they are, what they do and how they look, whether they’re at the gym, taking a hike, running a trail, or out for a night with friends. “We want to empower women to enjoy doing what they love, from mountain climbing to hanging out with friends, in comfortable, stylish clothes,” Schmitt said. You can find out more about Soybu by visiting them at the 2019 Active Collective California Show, Booth #724.
Colorado Clothing is also trying to make some waves for women in the uniform market by providing apparel designed specifically for women’s physiques. Some companies only order unisex for employee uniforms. “Unisex typically means no shape and a more male-oriented design; so, not always as flattering,” Gina Akins, the VP of Operations, said. “At Colorado Clothing, we’re trying to change that.”
With the WOSB status, CTCC is now registered with sam.gov, the federal government’s system for award management. Moving forward, the CTCC team, led by Schmitt, Hadden and Akins, will have the opportunity to expand their efforts to empower women and provide great apparel for everyone.
For more information, please visit Soybu.com or call: 888.363.9327.