Women Business Enterprise

Access to Fortune 500:

• 300+ corporate members actively seeking WBE suppliers
• Access to corporate supplier portals
• Preferred vendor status in procurement systems

Matchmaking Opportunities:

• WBENC Summit & Salute conference with 4,000+ attendees
• Regional events hosted by RPOs
• Virtual matchmaking sessions
• One-on-one meetings with corporate buyers

Business Development:

• Leadership training programs
• Executive education partnerships
• Mentorship from established WBEs
• Capacity building workshops

Visibility:

• WBENCLink database accessible by corporations
• Certification mark for marketing materials
• Media and speaking opportunities
• Industry-specific working groups

To qualify for WBE certification through WBENC:

Ownership Requirements:

• At least 51% owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
• Women owners must have contributed capital or expertise proportional to their ownership

Control Requirements:

• Women must hold the highest officer position (CEO, President, etc.)
• Women must control day-to-day operations
• Women must make long-term strategic decisions
• Women must sign on major contracts, leases, and financial obligations

Business Requirements:

• Must be a for-profit business operating in the U.S.
• Must be an independent business (not a subsidiary of a non-woman-owned company)
• Must be operational with demonstrated business activity

Prepare these documents for your WBENC certification:

Proof of Woman Ownership:

• Stock certificates, LLC membership agreements, or partnership documents showing 51%+ woman ownership
• Articles of incorporation/organization
• Bylaws or operating agreement
• Meeting minutes documenting woman's control

Personal Documents:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Resumes of woman owner(s) and key management
• Personal tax returns (if ownership is questioned)

Business Documents:

• Business tax returns (3 years)
• Current financial statements
• Business licenses
• Contracts showing woman's signature authority
• Bank resolutions and signature cards
• Lease agreements (signed by woman owner)

Operational Proof:

• Organizational chart
• Examples of woman owner's decision-making
• Client list with contracts
• Capability statement

Step 1: Identify Your Regional Partner Organization (RPO) WBENC processes applications through 14 Regional Partner Organizations. Visit wbenc.org/rpos to find yours.

Step 2: Create a WBENC Account Register at wbenc.org and begin the online application process.

Step 3: Complete the Application The application includes detailed questions about ownership, control, operations, and capabilities.

Step 4: Upload Documentation Submit all required documents through the online portal.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee Fees vary by RPO and company size, typically $350-$1,000.

Step 6: Application Review Your RPO reviews the application for completeness and compliance.

Step 7: Site Visit An RPO representative visits your business to verify information.

Step 8: Certification Committee Review The committee makes the final certification decision.

Step 9: National Certification Once approved, you receive national WBENC certification.

Annual renewal requirements:

• Recertification is required every year
• Submit updated financial documentation
• Fees typically $250-$500 annually
• Periodic site visits may be required
• Report ownership or control changes within 30 days

WBENC may recertify for up to 3 years for businesses with consistent compliance history.