Why WBENC Certification Is Just the Beginning of So Much More

 Revenue and capital between women-owned enterprises and others still differ significantly. According to the 2019 State of Women-Owned Firms Report, there are roughly 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States, accounting for 42% of all organizations. That amount, however, has probably fallen as a result of COVID-19's effects on business.

It is for this reason that being WBENC-Certified is more crucial than ever. The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and WBENC Certification are working to close the gap. Being a WBENC-Certified women-owned business may be quite beneficial, especially if you take the time to participate in the various events and networking opportunities offered all year long.

The WBENC certification for women-owned businesses in the US is the most well-known and respected. More than 1,000 businesses and federal, state, and local governmental bodies regard WBENC Certification as the gold standard because they know that WBENC has thoroughly investigated each company and made sure that it satisfies the necessary standards. The possibilities for formal and informal connections with WBENC National Corporate and Government Members and other WBENC-Certified Women's Business Enterprises are endless from that point forward (WBEs). WBENC and its partners provide certified WBEs with year-round access to business, networking, and educational opportunities.

What Being a WBE and WOSB Certified Means

When a company receives WBENC Certification, it means that it has been thoroughly vetted, including a site inspection and the review of business records. WBENC Certification has then determined that the company is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. Unlimited control over the company, proven management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate commitment of capital or experience are requirements for certification.

Businesses that complete the process to become WBENC-Certified WBEs attest to the worth of doing so to gain access to the wide range of advantages and perks that can boost your company's profile and position you and your company for success.

Additionally, WBENC is a recognized third-party certifier for the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program run by the Small Business Association (SBA). In addition to applying for WBENC certification, women-owned businesses can also apply for WOSB certification through WBENC. To help level the playing field for female business owners, WOSB certification allows a company to compete for federal contracts in fields where women-owned firms are underrepresented.

Start Your Path to Certification

The procedure to become WBENC-Certified is not challenging, although the initial collection of the necessary paperwork can take some time. Re-certification, which is required annually, is a much simpler process, so don't worry! Our WBEs have frequently told us that the work firms put forth to obtain certification is well worth it.

A women-owned business must go through a documentation process and a site visit with one of 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) based on the location of the company's headquarters to be certified as a WBE. The 14 RPOs, located all around the nation, are WBENC partners and are permitted to handle WBENC Certification. The documentation process includes a careful examination of all business records, including those of ownership, the financial structure, the workforce, management, and governance. The organization is certified, not the owner.

Before beginning, study the WBENC Certification Process to see whether your firm qualifies and whether certification is appropriate for you and your organization. For the business to be qualified to apply for WBENC Certification, it must:

The majority (minimum of 51%) is one or more women owning the business.

Evidence that shows women are in charge of and govern businesses.

Unrestricted female influence over the company's operations and legal papers.

A female with the highest position is listed in the company's legal records.

Evidence of female financial contributions and/or industry competence.

Citizenship or legal status in the United States for any female proprietors who own a majority stake in the business.

Once you've established that your company qualifies, you should begin compiling the necessary paperwork. The online application submission process will go more quickly if the necessary paperwork is prepared in advance.

After that, you'll finish an online application on our protected platform.

Following the online application submission, WBENC conducts a two-step evaluation to determine whether each WBENC-Certified business satisfies the requirements and standards.

A thorough examination of the provided documentation

Interview with the female owner during a site visit

Here's where your regional partner organization (RPO) steps in. The RPO handles your application, makes sure all the paperwork is in order, evaluates it with the Certification Committee, and organizes the site visit. Your RPO can be found here: https://www.wbenc.org/regional-partner-organizations/

Do you still have concerns regarding WBENC Certification? Look over our FAQs.

Unsure of where to go for women-owned businesses but want to support them? Looking for one-of-a-kind presents that also contribute to a more varied economy? Stop searching because WBENC offers the ideal holiday gift recommendations for you. The Women-Owned Gift Guide is an online magazine-style compilation of goods from WBENC-Certified women-owned brands.