WBE Certification in Indiana
Complete guide to getting Women Business Enterprise certified in Indiana, requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step application process.
How WBE certification works in Indiana
Indiana's state WBE certification runs through the Department of Administration's Division of Supplier Diversity, and the basics are clean: no processing fee, an electronic application through the state's secured supplier portal via Access Indiana, and a determination due within 90 days of the site visit under 25 IAC 5-3-7, with one extension of up to 60 days allowed. Certification is valid for three years, with an Affidavit of Continued Eligibility filed annually in between.
The goals give the certification its pull. Indiana's published participation goals for women-owned businesses are 5% in construction, 13% in goods and services, and 11% in professional services, set by the Governor's Commission on Supplier Diversity. One honesty note: in late 2025 the administration asked the Attorney General to review the legality of the commission and the MWBE program, and no outcome had been published as of July 2026. The division is still certifying and the goals page is still up; just check current status before building a bid strategy around the goals.
Selling to corporations is a separate track. The WBENC regional partner for Indiana is the Great Lakes Women's Business Council, covering Indiana and Michigan, with annual certification fees from $350 to $1,250 by revenue tier. INDOT's federal DBE certification is also separate; the two credentials coexist, and INDOT applies state M/WBE rules on state-only funded contracts.
What is WBE Certification?
For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 51% owned by women who are U.S. citizens.
Where to Get WBE Certified in Indiana
IDOA Division of Supplier Diversity
Certifies women- and minority-owned businesses for Indiana state contracting. Applications are electronic through the secured supplier portal; certification lasts three years with an annual affidavit.
Official site →Great Lakes Women's Business Council
Certifies WBEs for corporate supplier diversity programs across Indiana and Michigan under WBENC standards. Publishes annual fees by revenue tier, membership included.
Official site →Coverage areas and contacts for every certifier we track are in the certifying body directory.
Indiana's participation goals, with a caveat
The state's published goals for women-owned business participation are 5% in construction, 13% in goods and services, and 11% in professional services, alongside minority and veteran goals. Agencies and prime contractors use the certified directory to meet them, which is the day-to-day value of being on it.
The caveat: those goals took effect July 1, 2021 and are set by the Governor's Commission on Supplier Diversity, which came under an Attorney General legality review requested in late 2025. The certification program continued operating through the review, but Indiana is a state where it is worth confirming the program's status at in.gov before a major bid.
Required Documents for WBE
| Document | Status | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Organizational Chart | Required | Create using tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or PowerPoint. |
| Business Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | Request copies from your accountant or download from IRS.gov using Form 4506-T. |
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Required | If expired, visit your local DMV or apply for passport renewal at usps.com or travel.state.gov. |
| Affidavit of Ownership | Required | Each certifying body provides their own form. Download from their website or request. |
| Operating Agreement or Bylaws | Required | Draft with an attorney or use a legal template service. Must reflect current ownership accurately. |
| Personal Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | From your tax preparer or IRS.gov. All owners with 10%+ ownership typically need to provide. |
| Lease Agreement or Deed | Required | From your landlord (lease) or county recorder's office (deed). |
| Bank Statements (6-12 Months) | Required | Download from your online banking portal or request from your bank. |
| Existing Certification Copies | Recommended | From your certification files or download from the certifying body's portal. |
| Birth Certificate | Recommended | Request from the vital records office in your birth state. Many states offer online ordering through vitalchek.com. |
| Stock Certificates or Membership Certificates | Recommended | Issue through your corporate records. Consult your attorney if not previously issued. |
| Business Financial Statements | Recommended | Generate from your accounting software or have your accountant prepare. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Recommended | Request from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states offer instant online certificates. |
How to Apply for WBE in Indiana
- **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.
Corporate Programs Accepting WBE
These companies have supplier diversity programs that accept WBE certification:
Amazon
Amazon Supplier Diversity helps us build a more inclusive supply chain by partnering with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with …
View program details →Apple Inc.
Apple is committed to increasing opportunity for diverse suppliers. We partner with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
View program details →AT&T Inc.
AT&T has been a pioneer in supplier diversity since 1968. We are committed to ensuring diverse businesses have access to opportunities.
View program details →Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense systems, and space technology. Their Supplier Diversity program has been …
View program details →General Motors
GM has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 50 years. We are committed to increasing opportunities for diverse businesses in the automotive supply …
View program details →Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Google is committed to building a diverse supply chain that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek partnerships with certified diverse businesses.
View program details →Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 25 years. We believe diverse suppliers drive innovation in healthcare.
View program details →JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is committed to building a diverse supply chain. We actively seek partnerships with minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses.
View program details →Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor with over $65 billion in annual revenue, primarily from U.S. government contracts. Their Supplier Diversity program actively …
View program details →McKesson
McKesson is a Fortune 8 healthcare company providing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies distribution, healthcare IT, and care management. They serve government healthcare programs including VA …
View program details →Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft believes diversity drives innovation. Our supplier diversity program ensures certified diverse businesses have equitable access to procurement opportunities.
View program details →Target Corporation
Target is committed to creating inclusive economic opportunities. We actively source from diverse suppliers to reflect the communities we serve.
View program details →U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
The Department of Defense is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world, with an annual budget exceeding $700 billion. DoD has …
View program details →U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT DBE program is unique because it applies to ALL transportation projects receiving federal funding - highways, transit, airports, and more. This means state …
View program details →U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA is the second-largest federal agency and has a special mission to support veteran-owned businesses. Under the Veterans First Contracting Program, VA gives priority …
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Indiana Department of Administration - Minority & Women Business Enterprises , MBE/WBE Certification
Indiana DOT DBE Program , DBE (Transportation)
Indiana Veteran-Owned Business Program , Veteran-Owned
WBE in Indiana: common questions
What does Indiana WBE certification cost?
The state certification is free; IDOA states there is no processing fee and no cost to apply. The corporate WBENC certification through the Great Lakes Women's Business Council runs $350 to $1,250 annually by revenue tier, which includes council membership.
How long does Indiana WBE certification take?
IDOA must issue a determination within 90 days of the site visit under 25 IAC 5-3-7, with one extension of up to 60 days allowed. Assembling the application itself typically takes a few weeks, per the division's FAQ. Certification then lasts three years with an annual Affidavit of Continued Eligibility.
What are Indiana's WBE participation goals?
As published by the division: 5% for construction, 13% for goods and services, and 11% for professional services, set by the Governor's Commission on Supplier Diversity effective July 2021. Note that the commission came under an Attorney General review in late 2025, so confirm current goals on in.gov.
Is Indiana WBE the same as INDOT DBE certification?
No. INDOT's DBE certification serves the federal program for US DOT-funded work and is a separate application. Firms can hold both, and INDOT itself defaults to state M/WBE rules on state-only funded contracts, so many transportation subcontractors carry the pair.
Sources
Every fee, portal link, and program fact above was checked against these official sources in July 2026. Requirements change; the certifying body's own site is always the final word.