Why Businesses Choose Equal Footing Consulting
95% First-Time Approval Rate
While the DIY approval rate hovers around 60%, our expert-prepared applications succeed 95% of the time. We know what agencies want because we've worked inside them.
4X Faster Than DIY
The average DIY application takes 60-80 hours over 3-6 months. With Equal Footing, you invest 10-15 hours and get approved in 60-90 days.
Former Agency Insider Expertise
Hannah Follweiler served on WMATA's small business programs team, reviewing hundreds of applications. She knows the red flags that trigger denials and how to avoid them.
Transparent Pricing, No Surprises
See exactly what you'll pay before we start. No hidden fees, no scope creep, no surprises. Full-service packages from $1,000.
100+ Successful Certifications
From construction to consulting, retail to tech; we've helped businesses across every industry secure certifications and win millions in government contracts.
With insider expertise and a passion for your success, we simplify certification so you can focus on growing your business.
Insider Expertise. Proven Results. Certified Success.
Who We Serve: Women- and Minority-Owned Small Businesses
We work with entrepreneurs who are ready to compete for greater opportunities. Whether pursuing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification, we provide clear, step-by-step guidance. Being a Subject Matter Expert, we simplify the application process and removing common barriers. We make it possible for our clients earn certifications that translate into real contracts and sustainable success.
Our Core Values
Equity & Opportunity – We believe small businesses deserve equal access to contracts and resources.
Integrity & Transparency – We guide clients with honesty, clarity, and accountability.
Empowerment & Education – We give business owners the tools to thrive independently.
Results with Impact – We measure success by the doors we help open for our clients.
Meet Hannah Follweiler: Your DBE Certification Partner
Hannah Follweiler founded Equal Footing Consulting with a mission to level the playing field for women- and minority-owned small businesses. With hands-on experience as a small business analyst at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Hannah has an insider's understanding of exactly what certification agencies look for—and what causes applications to fail.
Hannah's Expertise:
- Deep knowledge of 49 CFR 26 and DOT DBE Program regulations
- Former WMATA Small Business Programs team member
- Specialist in audits, compliance, and government contracting
- 95% certification approval success rate
- 100+ businesses successfully certified
What Sets Her Apart:
Unlike other certification consultants who learned through trial and error, Hannah has spent years reviewing applications for the government. Equal Footing Consulting knows what causes approvals and rejections because Hannah was the one making those decisions.
She doesn't just understand the paperwork; she understands the people behind the applications. Having worked on both sides of the certification process, she knows the common mistakes that delay approvals and the documentation strategies that accelerate them. She brings both technical precision and genuine commitment to every client relationship.
When you work with Equal Footing Consulting, you're not just getting a consultant, you're getting an advocate who's invested in your success.
📞 Ready to work with Hannah?
Email hannah@equal-footing.com or Call (571) 473-8127
Let’s Grow Together
Whether you’re just beginning your certification journey or need expert support to navigate the most challenging requirements, Equal Footing Consulting is here to help.
👉 Ready to position your business for success?
Equal Footing Consulting
You need a guide who’s been on both sides.
We know how frustrating the certification process is. We’ve watched qualified business owners spend months gathering documents, only to get denied over technicalities. Hannah has personally seen entrepreneurs give up on millions in contracts because they couldn't navigate the bureaucracy.
That's why Hannah started Equal Footing Consulting. As a former WMATA certification analyst, she spent years reviewing applications from the agency side. She knows:
- What makes reviewers approve or deny applications
- Which documentation gaps trigger red flags
- How to position your business for first-time approval
- What happens during on-site visits (because I conducted them)
The result? 95% of our clients get approved on their first application, compared to the industry average of around 60%.
We have helped over 100 businesses get certified. Now we want to help yours!
We are located in Alexandria, Virginia, but work nationwide. Dedicated to helping women- and minority-owned small businesses. We guide entrepreneurs through certification programs like DBE, WOSB, MBE, and SBE.
We offer hands-on application preparation, documentation review, and compliance guidance to enhance approval outcomes. We also help clients leverage certification for growth, maintaining a 95% success rate. At Equal Footing Consulting, we believe every small business deserves a strong opportunity to compete and thrive.