Certification for Women-Owned Businesses

WBENC Certification is the most widely recognized and respected national certification for women-owned businesses in the U.S.

Through certification, women-owned businesses gain access to a vast network of support, including targeted business opportunities for certified women-owned firms, increased visibility in corporate and government supply chains, education and development programs to spur growth and increase capacity, and networking and mentorship opportunities with thousands of women entrepreneurs and those who support them.

WBENC is also an approved third-party certifier for the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.

My creative agency SJI has been women-owned since its inception in March 1991. Getting certified with WBENC has been a powerful way to lead with that fact, about which I am incredibly proud. It’s exciting that people are starting to realize that hiring a minority-owned agency isn’t just good optics, it’s good business. Our company brings a rich perspective to every project we work on, and our certification from WBENC is an important way for us to signal that to the world.

Suzy Jurist

President, SJI Associates

No other certifications obtained by my companies have been remotely close to the support and success I have achieved through my association with WBENC. This organization is true to its commitment to helping women business owners achieve results after the certification process by offering powerful tools to engage. Get certified and get involved!

Sharon W. Reynolds

President & CEO, DevMar Products

Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of operating as a CSR entity. As part of that, there is an increasing push to invest in strategic partners that are diverse. Being WBENC certified business provides Accel with the credentials that companies know, trust and want to do business with. It opens doors, builds relationships and drives confidence in the marketplace.

Tara Abraham

Chairwoman, Accel Inc.

Being a WBENC-Certified WBE has helped us get meetings with large corporations and begin to work with them through their supplier diversity programs where we would have never had that opportunity if we weren’t a company certified by WBENC.

Bri Makaric

Founder/CEO of BRITE bites

Eligibility

WBENC Certification validates that a business is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. This means one or more women must have unrestricted control of the business, a demonstrated management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate investment of capital or expertise. To become certified, business owners undergo a thorough vetting process, including review of business documentation and a site visit.

Because of this thorough process, WBENC Certification is considered the gold standard for women-owned business certification and is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations, in addition to some states, cities, and other entities.

Once certified, women-owned businesses are designated as WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises, or commonly referred to as WBEs.

Eligibility Details

Benefits

Benefits of certification for women-owned businesses includes:

Access to supplier diversity and procurement executives at hundreds of major U.S. corporations and federal, state, and local government entities that accept WBENC Certification.
Formal and informal opportunities to pursue business with Corporate and Government Members, as well as with other WBENC-Certified WBEs.
Access to networking events, procurement opportunities, mentoring, executive education, capacity development programs, and other business tools and resources.
Eligibility for regional and national recognition and awards.
Use of Women Owned Logo and Women’s Business Enterprise Seal as a marketing tool to promote your business and expand your company’s visibility.
Community of support from other female business owners and like-minded professionals all dedicated to the growth and success of women-owned businesses.

Detailed Certification Benefits

Process

WBENC partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations authorized to administer WBENC and WOSB certification for women-owned businesses across the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

To achieve certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise, women-owned businesses complete a thorough documentation and site visit process.

Certification Process

Cost

The non-refundable processing fee for new applications and recertification is based on annual gross revenue as reported on Federal Taxes and is divided into five (5) tiers. Please identify which range your company’s revenues fall within to identify the required fee.

Revenue Category

Under $1 million: $350
$1M < $5M: $500
$5M < $10M: $750
$10M < $50M: $1,000
$50M+: $1,250

Documentation Required

WBENC Certification requires a thorough review of business documentation, including documents relevant to ownership, financial structure, personnel, management, and governance. Before starting the certification process, we recommend reviewing the list of required documentation and gathering all materials in advance.

Full List of Required Documentation

Ready to get certified?

Apply now

WBENC Certification is administered by 14 Regional Partner Organizations throughout the U.S.

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