WBE Certification for Printing & Packaging Companies

Why WBE Certification Matters for Printing & Packaging Companies

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.

For printing & packaging businesses, WBE certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for WBE-certified suppliers in printing & packaging.

Printing and packaging offers steady, relationship-driven opportunities for diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters: **Corporate Procurement Goals**: Studies show that companies allocating 20% or more of spending to diverse suppliers report 10-15% higher annual sales. This gives procurement managers a strong incentive to shift printing and packaging spend to certified diverse suppliers. **Xerox Alliance Program**: Xerox, a global leader in managed print services, operates a Supplier Connection Program that proactively identifies, builds relationships with, and procures goods and services from certified diverse businesses. Their Tier II program also encourages Xerox's own suppliers to subcontract to diverse firms. **Packaging Industry Leaders**: Companies like Graphic Packaging and WestRock (now Smurfit WestRock) have dedicated supplier diversity initiatives, seeking diverse suppliers across packaging materials, printing services, and logistics. **Every Company Prints**: Marketing collateral, product packaging, labels, business forms, direct mail, signage, and branded merchandise—every corporation has ongoing printing needs. These are recurring purchases that build long-term relationships. **Government Printing Office (GPO)**: The U.S. Government Publishing Office contracts with private sector printers for a significant portion of government printing needs, creating additional opportunities for certified diverse print companies. **Digital Transformation**: As printing evolves toward variable data printing, wide-format, and specialty applications, diverse suppliers can differentiate through technology adoption and niche capabilities.

WBE Eligibility Requirements

Must be at least 51% owned by women who are U.S. citizens.

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

Required Documents for WBE

How to Apply for WBE as a Printing & Packaging Business

1. **Step 1: Identify Your Regional Partner Organization (RPO)**
2. WBENC processes applications through 14 Regional Partner Organizations. Visit wbenc.org/rpos to find yours.
3. **Step 2: Create a WBENC Account**
4. Register at wbenc.org and begin the online application process.
5. **Step 3: Complete the Application**
6. The application includes detailed questions about ownership, control, operations, and capabilities.
7. **Step 4: Upload Documentation**
8. Submit all required documents through the online portal.
9. **Step 5: Pay Application Fee**
10. Fees vary by RPO and company size, typically $350-$1,000.
11. **Step 6: Application Review**
12. Your RPO reviews the application for completeness and compliance.
13. **Step 7: Site Visit**
14. An RPO representative visits your business to verify information.
15. **Step 8: Certification Committee Review**
16. The committee makes the final certification decision.
17. **Step 9: National Certification**
18. Once approved, you receive national WBENC certification.

Government Printing & Packaging Opportunities

**Federal Opportunities** Key agencies and programs for printing and packaging: - **U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)**: Contracts with private sector printers for government publications, forms, and materials - **Department of Defense (DoD)**: Military publications, training materials, packaging for defense logistics - **General Services Administration (GSA)**: Government-wide printing and publication services - **Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)**: Public health materials, Medicare publications **Key Contract Vehicles** - GPO Term Contracts (multi-year printing agreements) - GSA MAS for printing and publications services - Agency-specific printing BPAs - 8(a) sole-source contracts for printing services **Categories of Government Printing** - Forms and publications - Direct mail and outreach materials - Training manuals and guides - Signage and wayfinding - Packaging for military and government supplies - Variable data printing (personalized mailings) - Large-format printing (posters, banners) **State and Local** State agencies, school districts, and municipalities all contract for printing services. Many have diverse supplier preferences and set-aside programs.

Other Certifications for Printing & Packaging Companies

WBE Certification for Other Industries