WBE Certification for Printing & Packaging Companies

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

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.

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

WBE eligibility requires 51% woman ownership plus genuine management and operational control. Both are verified; ownership on paper without real control is the most common reason for denial.

Ownership

• At least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Ownership must reflect actual equity contributed through capital, expertise, or labor, not a nominal transfer designed to hit the threshold
• For corporations: women must own at least 51% of all classes of voting stock and outstanding stock
• For LLCs: women must hold at least 51% of membership interests and not be subject to override provisions that give a male member effective control

Control: management Women must hold the highest officer position in the business (President, CEO, or Managing Member) and demonstrate active management. WBENC defines this as managing the business on a full-time basis. Holding another full-time job while nominally serving as president is a red flag reviewers will probe.

Control: operations and authority

• Women must make long-term strategic decisions for the business
• Women must sign contracts, leases, and major financial agreements
• Women must have authority over the business bank accounts (signature authority)
• Operational decisions cannot be effectively delegated to a male partner, employee, or advisor

Business requirements

• For-profit enterprise operating in the U.S.
• Independent business, not a subsidiary or affiliate where a non-woman-owned parent company exercises control
• Demonstrated business activity; WBENC looks for real clients, contracts, and operations

Step 1: Identify your Regional Partner Organization (RPO) WBENC does not process applications directly. All certification goes through one of 14 RPOs. Go to wbenc.org to find your RPO based on your state. Each RPO has its own staff, portal instructions, and site-visit scheduling process. Read your RPO's specific application guide before starting; requirements for supporting documents can vary slightly.

Step 2: Prepare documents before opening the application The WBENCLink portal (wbenclink.net) can time out mid-session. Gather everything first: three years of business tax returns, current P&L and balance sheet, articles of incorporation or organization and all amendments, operating agreement or corporate bylaws showing the woman owner's role and percentage, stock certificates or membership ledger, government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate), bank signature cards or resolutions, and any major signed contracts that demonstrate the woman's authority.

Step 3: Complete the application at WBENCLink Create your WBENCLink account at wbenclink.net and fill out the full application. The application covers ownership percentages, control documentation, management structure, financial overview, and business capabilities. Precision matters; reviewers cross-reference every answer against your supporting documents.

Step 4: Pay the application fee Fees are set by each RPO and scale with company revenue: $350 for businesses under $1M, up to $1,000-$1,250 for larger companies. Some RPOs charge a flat fee; others use a tiered scale. Most require payment before review begins.

Step 5: Application review Your RPO reviews the application for completeness and compliance. If anything is missing or inconsistent, they will issue a deficiency notice. Respond within their stated deadline. Slow responses add weeks.

Step 6: Site visit After review, an RPO representative conducts an on-site verification at your actual business location. The woman owner must be present and lead the meeting. The reviewer will inspect the workspace, speak with employees, and verify that the business matches the application. Home offices qualify; reviewers visit them.

Step 7: Certification committee decision The RPO's certification committee reviews the completed file, including site-visit notes. Most RPOs issue a decision within 90 days of a complete application. Once approved, your WBE status is active in WBENCLink and visible to all 350+ corporate members in the national database.

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.