WBE Certification in New Jersey
Complete guide to getting Women Business Enterprise certified in New Jersey — requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step application process.
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 New Jersey
These organizations issue WBE certification and serve New Jersey:
National Women Business Owners Corporation
The National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing certification for women-owned businesses.
Visit website →Women's Business Enterprise National Council
The largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. WBENC certification is the gold standard for WBE certification.
Visit website →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 New Jersey
- **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.
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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Take the Certification QuizAll New Jersey Certification Programs
New Jersey Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise Program — Veteran-Owned
New Jersey Division of Revenue - Business Registration — MBE/WBE Certification
New Jersey DOT DBE Program — DBE (Transportation)
New Jersey Small Business Enterprise Program — Small Business