WBENC information: We have the solutions to the queries you have.

 General FAQs

Please read the following commonly asked questions concerning WBENC information, re-certification, and certification.

How does WBENC differ from my local/regional affiliate and what does it mean?

In the United States and U.S. territories, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, also known as WBENC (pronounced WE-BANK), is the foremost authority on and certification body for WBEs. In addition to having 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) across the country, WBENC has its headquarters in Washington, DC.

As per WBENC information to preserve the integrity of the WBENC Certification program, each RPO processes certification applications on behalf of WBENC and follows strict Standards and Procedures.

What sets WBENC Certification apart from other programs?

Through its 14 regional partner organizations, WBENC offers a national standard of certification to women-owned businesses. WBENCLink2.0, the online database that profiles WBENC-Certified WBEs, gives purchasing managers’ access to more than 18,000 WBENC-Certified WBEs.

A WBE is what?

A WBE, or women-owned business enterprise, is a company that has been approved by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council.

According to WBENC information, A WBE refers to the company, not the person.

What precisely qualifies as "a WBENC-Certified WBE"?

A company that has through a rigorous certification procedure to demonstrate that it is owned, managed, and controlled by a woman or woman is known as a WBENC-Certified WBE.

WBENC Corporate Members, as well as a variety of federal, state, and local government organizations, grant access to WBENC-Certified WBEs using their certification credentials.

WBENC information: The Company, not the person, is certified.

Are there any specifications regarding the size or duration of a company's operations for certification?

No. There are no minimum requirements for business size or tenure to qualify for or receive WBENC Certification.

How much does certification cost?

The annual gross revenue as reported on federal taxes determines the five tiers of the non-refundable processing charge for new applications and recertification.

Under $1,000,000: $350

$500 from $1 million to $5 million

Between $5 and $10 million: $700

$10,000,000 - $50,000,000: $1000

$50,000,000: $1,250

If I'm not certified, will the cost be reimbursed?

No. The charge is not refundable once the requested documents have been received.

As per WBENC information all submitted applications, regardless of whether they were accepted or rejected, as well as incomplete or abandoned applications that were withdrawn before a decision was made, are subject to the non-refundable policy.

Why am I required to provide financial data about my business?

Financial records, like the Profit & Loss Statement, show that the applicant is operating the firm in the manner specified in the application. The ownership, management, and control by the women owners are jointly confirmed using documents like the Balance Sheet and tax returns.

Please be aware that the certification procedure does not assess the business's financial viability or profitability.

What if I don't have the required document?

Send a letter explaining which documents do not apply and why together with the other necessary documents.

Please be aware that a document that does not apply and a document that has not yet been created are two different things. Anything that can be produced ought to be.

The only owner is me. Why do I require a yearly meeting?

The majority of by-laws provide that the shareholders of record shall meet annually to ensure compliance therewith. It is advantageous to have documentation proving you waived the annual meeting if you don't hold one.

What should I do if my application was not submitted in the allotted 90 days?

According to WBENC information, you must start over if you are seeking certification for the first time or submitting a recertification application 90 days after your certification expires. For applications that are not submitted within 90 days, the system deletes all application data for security reasons. Please be aware that on the application's main page, you can change the deletion date by selecting "Extend" next to the Deletion Date. If you run into any problems, please email support@wbenc.org.

Please be aware that after your certification expires, you will not be able to apply for recertification. You must submit a "New" application for certification if your current one expires.

Have more inquiries? Get in touch with the local Regional Partner Organization.