Detroit-based integrated communications agency Franco has been certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the U.S.
The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, a regional provider organization of the WBENC, granted the certification after a rigorous review of the business and site inspection to affirm that Franco is at least 51 percent woman-owned, operated, and controlled by women. This certification follows the 2024 ownership transition of the firm from former chairman Dan Ponder to Franco CEO Tina Kozak, along with minority owners and agency executives Tina Benvenuti Sullivan, and Nikki Little. This marks the first 100 percent female ownership group in the company’s 61-year history.
“Today, as women in leadership face headwinds and DEI initiatives shift, I’m proud of this achievement and what it means to our business and clients,” says Kozak. “This milestone underscores the importance of inclusive entrepreneurship even in the face of persistent challenges. The certification will expand our capacity to contribute, connect and lead. It will open the door to deeper collaboration and new partnerships that allow us to not only deliver great work, but also greater value to the clients and communities we serve.”
By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations, and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity, which in turn empowers women as leaders and brings about a more diverse, balanced and sustainable economy.
Franco is an integrated communications agency offering PR, marketing, social media, advertising and creative services to clients in a variety of sectors, including mobility/auto, technology, economic development and nonprofit. Franco recently completed the acquisition of Bianchi Public Relations, combining two powerhouse auto/mobility teams.
