Are you a woman-owned business? If so, read on to learn how you can be certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) member. If you are with a corporation or government entity looking to do business with certified WBEs, learn about Corporate (Sustaining) Membership.

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) provides the most widely recognized and respected certification in the United States for women’s business enterprises (WBE). Through the Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS), a partner organization of WBENC, your business can apply for a certification that is accepted by hundreds of major corporations, not-for-profit organizations, as well as many local, state, and Federal government agencies. WBENC certification is an important marketing tool for expanding your company’s visibility among and access to decision makers in supplier diversity and procurement offices. Many corporations require that you be WBENC-certified before providing access to their supplier diversity programs.

WBCS is a third party certifier for the SBA Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Program. We also screen applicants for eligibility for certification with the State of Texas’ Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification and DFW Airport’s SBE certification program. So, eligible businesses can receive those certifications through the WBCS in one application process.

1. At least fifty-one percent ownership by a woman or women
2. Proof of daily management and unilateral control of the business
3. Documented evidence of contribution of capital and/or expertise
4. U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Legal Resident Alien status

The WBCS maintains a stringent screening process under the guidelines of WBENC’s Standards & Procedures, which ensure that all firms are legitimately owned, managed, and controlled by women. All applicants are encouraged to read WBENC’s Standards & Procedures.

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• Visit www.wbenclink.org to review the certification criteria, application instructions and to apply online.
• Once your completed application has been submitted online, you will receive an e-mail notification instructing you where to mail your supporting documentation and non-refundable processing/membership fee. The processing fees are based on the revenue amount submitted on your application.
  Revenue < $1M - $300
  Revenue $1M to $5M - $500
  Revenue $5M to $10M - $750
  Revenue > $10M - $1,000
• The process takes approximately 60-90 days once the application and all documentation have been received.
• The certification is valid for a period of one year, at which time you must submit a recertification application and affidavit to ensure the continuity of your certified status.
• An on-site visit is conducted initially and every three years. Start the application process, or for more information please e-mail Anita Steele, Director of Certification or Kelly Francis, Certification Associate.

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As a certified WBE, you will be entitled to:

• A listing of your business profile in WBENCLink, an internet database that is accessed by hundreds of corporations throughout the United States
• Access to a directory of major corporations accepting WBENC certification
• Use of the WBENC seal on your letterhead, business cards, and other marketing materials
• Networking events, matchmaker meetings and trade shows with other WBEs, corporate and government buyers

Once certified, your WBCS Membership Benefits include:

• Procurement Events such as the Parade of Stars Awards Gala, Southwest Women’s businessWORKS!, Harvesting Partnerships and Power To Potential, provide access to corporate and government contracting opportunities.
• Access to Corporate WBE Programs encourages WBEs to compete for contracts.
• Networking Events throughout the year provide additional opportunities to develop business relationships.
• Individual appointments with Corporate (Sustaining) Members specifically match your capabilities with members’ procurement needs.
• Educational Programs conducted in collaboration with nationally recognized experts in small business management help you grow profitable businesses.
• Table Topics Luncheons give WBEs a forum to share information and gain advice from peers about all aspects of running and growing a successful business.
• Parade of Stars Awards Gala recognizes outstanding WBE and Sustaining Members.
• Regional Directory of Certified WBEs and Sustaining Members throughout the four-state region (central and north Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, & Arkansas) provides key contact information.
• Done Deals™ program advertises the business conducted between WBE and Sustaining Members and tracks the total dollar amount.

As an additional benefit of WBCS membership, eligible businesses are screened and submitted for the State of Texas’ HUB certification and the SBA’s WOSB federal contracting program.

Benefits of WOSB Government Certification include national recognition as a WBENC Certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) by Federal contracting officers to provide goods and services to the Federal Government.

If you choose to also apply for certification as a WOSB, please complete the WOSB Additional Info tab within your WBENCLink online profile. Your company’s IRS Form 941 for the most recent four quarters and printed confirmation that you have registered should be included with your application packet.

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Downloadables

WBE prospect information (Acrobat, 83K)