WBE Certification in Texas
Complete guide to getting Women Business Enterprise certified in Texas, requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step application process.
How WBE certification works in Texas
If you are researching Texas HUB certification as a woman-owned business, the program you have read about no longer exists. The Comptroller suspended the Historically Underutilized Business program in October 2025 and restructured it by rule that December as VetHUB, restricted to businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Certifications previously issued on the basis of sex or race were revoked unless the owners qualified as service-disabled veterans, and the statewide utilization goals were eliminated, with agencies told to set their own. Permanent rules took effect May 12, 2026.
The change is being litigated. Five businesses and a minority contractors association sued in Travis County in March 2026, and a judge issued a temporary injunction in April ordering the plaintiffs recertified, with a hearing set for November 2026. As of July 2026 the Comptroller's live pages operate VetHUB under the new rules, so plan against that reality and watch the case.
What still works for Texas WBEs is the corporate credential. Two WBENC regional partners cover the state: the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance in Houston, serving 94 Texas counties in the south and southeast, and the Women's Business Council Southwest in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, covering North and Central Texas plus Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. WBEA publishes fees of $350 to $1,250 by revenue and quotes 60 to 90 days once documentation is complete. For federal work, the WOSB program is unaffected by the state change.
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 Texas
Women's Business Enterprise Alliance
Houston-based WBENC partner serving 94 Texas counties. The corporate WBE credential for the Houston energy, healthcare, and port economies.
Official site →Women's Business Council Southwest
Covers North and Central Texas plus Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, anchoring the Dallas-Fort Worth corporate market. WBENC's standardized fee schedule applies.
Official site →Texas Comptroller, VetHUB program
What remains of the HUB program after the December 2025 restructuring: free certification for businesses 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, valid up to four years. Woman-owned firms without SDV ownership no longer qualify.
Official site →Coverage areas and contacts for every certifier we track are in the certifying body directory.
What happened to Texas HUB, precisely
The Comptroller's own FAQ states it plainly: the office revoked all businesses previously certified based on race, ethnicity, or sex, unless they proved ownership and control by service-disabled veterans. The restructuring came through emergency rules on December 2, 2025 and permanent rules effective May 12, 2026, not through legislation. Statewide quantitative utilization goals were eliminated; agencies now set their own.
The Travis County litigation is the open question. The April 2026 temporary injunction ordered the six plaintiffs recertified and pre-December program status restored for them, with a November 2026 hearing ahead. Nothing in the case had restored certification for woman-owned firms generally as of July 2026.
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 Texas
- **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 …
View program details →Need help getting WBE certified?
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Take the certification quizAll Texas Certification Programs
Texas Comptroller - Statewide HUB Program , MBE/WBE Certification
Texas DOT DBE Program , DBE (Transportation)
Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program , Small Business
Texas Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Program , Veteran-Owned
WBE in Texas: common questions
Can a woman-owned business still get HUB certified in Texas?
Not on the basis of being woman-owned. Since the December 2025 restructuring, the program (now VetHUB) certifies only businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans with a 20% or greater VA disability rating. A woman owner who is also a service-disabled veteran can still qualify.
What happened to existing woman-owned HUB certifications?
The Comptroller revoked certifications previously issued based on race, ethnicity, or sex unless the business proved service-disabled veteran ownership. A Travis County lawsuit challenging the change won a temporary injunction in April 2026 covering the named plaintiffs, with a hearing set for November 2026.
What should Texas WBEs do instead of HUB?
Certify where the money still verifies the credential: WBENC certification through WBEA in Houston or WBCS in Dallas-Fort Worth for corporate supplier diversity programs, and the federal WOSB program for federal set-aside contracts. Neither is affected by the state restructuring.
Which WBENC partner covers my part of Texas?
WBEA, based in Houston, serves 94 counties across south and southeast Texas. WBCS, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, covers North and Central Texas along with Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Both certify to the same WBENC standard on the $350 to $1,250 fee schedule.
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.