Bug Bite Thing Ellen McAlister and Kelley Higney scaled
Bug Bite Thing Ellen McAlister and Kelley Higney scaled
News Briefs

Shark Tank’s Bug Bite Thing Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council

Bug Bite Thing is proud to announce our national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise. The company received recognition from the WBEC Florida, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). In 2019, Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister presented their insect relief tool to investors on Shark Tank. Lori Greiner decided to bite at the opportunity and secure a partnership with the two.

“It has been incredible to watch Bug Bite Thing’s growth first-hand following Shark Tank. To be alongside this mother/daughter team is a thrilling part of their journey. When the company was recognized as a women-owned business, it was another amazing milestone. I can’t wait to see what is next!” says inventor and entrepreneur Lori Greiner.

“As a third-generation female entrepreneur, it’s an honor to have the company recognized as a woman-owned business. My mother, the company’s president, Ellen McAlister, and I are thrilled to receive this certification and contribute to South Florida’s thriving community of female-owned businesses,” says Founder and CEO Kelley Higney.

The WBENC:

The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the WBEC Florida is a meticulous process. It includes an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by women.

By including women-owned businesses, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs.

About Bug Bite Thing:

As seen on Shark Tank, Bug Bite Thing is a chemical-free solution that instantly alleviates the stinging, itching and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. The reusable tool solely uses suction to remove insect saliva or venom from underneath the skin. This makes it safe for all ages. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with over 45,000 reviews. The company gained national recognition in October 2019, when Kelley and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank. All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business. Lori Greiner ended up being the hungry shark that secured the partnership.

Bug Bite Thing is the recipient of 23 prestigious awards including the 2021 BIG Innovation Award, the 2021 Mom’s Choice Award and 2021 National Parenting Product Award. Based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Bug Bite Thing is active in community organizations, including St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Treasure Coast Food Bank (a member of Feeding America), and Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. The company is also a member of the Cancer Free Economy Network. Bug Bite Thing is available on Amazon.com, BugBiteThing.com and at over 25,000 retail locations nationwide. Learn more at BugBiteThing.com.

Want to read more about other women-owned businesses featured on Shark Tank? Click here!

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