Domina Consulting Lifts Diverse Small Businesses with WWBIC Assistance
Situation
Amanda Roman left a professional position in 2020 and was considering whether to go into business for herself. With a strong background in banking, leadership, payroll, HR consulting, and project management, she was well-situated to do so, and she was also looking for something that would be a good fit with her family’s needs. When other business owners started seeking her out for advice, she knew it was time. She started Domina Consulting in Racine in early 2021 with the goal of helping other small minority-owned businesses obtain the MBE, DBE, and other certifications to help them grow through contracting.
Solution
Amanda has been a client of SBA Women’s Business Center WWBIC, which has a location in Racine/Kenosha. She received SBA pandemic assistance as well as a $5,000 grant from the city of Racine and networking opportunities with WWBIC. With this support, she has focused on assisting startup and existing businesses and guiding those eligible to attain MBE, DBE, WBE, and VOSB certifications. She has built her business further with her expertise and her willingness to go beyond guiding clients through the certification process by also helping them succeed at getting contract awards and executing the contracts successfully. She obtained her own contract with the city of Racine to provide technical assistance to clients, with the contract covering her fees to help businesses get certified and the client only paying a $150 retainer. Amanda has grown Domina from one to five employees and has expanded her work into Kenosha County and plans to expand throughout Wisconsin.
Impact
Amanda has grown Domina from one to five employees and has expanded her work into Kenosha County. She has also brought on interns from local colleges to expand her workforce. Since opening she has served 75 clients and has also worked on 75 projects with contractors—and more businesses are reaching out for assistance with subcontracting. She now consults with other WWBIC clients and is very connected to economic development partners throughout southeastern Wisconsin. She serves on several boards and committees with the Latino Chamber of Southeast Wisconsin, Racine County Economic Development Corp., and WWBIC. She is also helping to lead the first trade mentee program with Gilbane and is consulting on Racine County’s Youth Development Care Center construction project. WWBIC enthusiastically nominated—and SBA awarded--Amanda Roman and Domina Consulting as the 2024 SBA Wisconsin Minority Small Business Champion.