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FAQs
WBE Certification
How can I be certified as a women-owned business?
Complete the application online. Applications cannot be faxed.
What happens once I submit my online application for certification?
Upon receipt of your non-refundable application fee, your application and supporting documentation are reviewed by the Certification Team for completeness and then reviewed by the Certification Committee. The Certification Committee meets once a month and is composed of volunteer members who have a vested interest in certifying genuine Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs). Upon review by the committee, a site visit is performed and a determination is made to certify or deny the application.
Applicants that do not submit all supporting documentation will experience delays in the certification process.
If certified, you will receive membership information and a certificate in the mail. The entire process takes up to 90 days, depending on the completeness of your application.
What if my application is denied?
A denied application indicates the business does not meet the national requirements of being woman-owned. An appeals process is in place through which denied applicants can exercise their right to be heard in front of the WBCS Appeals Committee. An applicant has 30 days from the date of the receipt of the decision to file an appeal. Following a review by the Appeals Committee, a final decision is made. If the denial is upheld, applicants have a second remedy through the national WBENC appeal process.
Who accepts the WBCS certification?
Companies from across the United States accept the WBCS nationally recognized WBENC certification. Visit our national organization's (WBENC) website at http://www.wbenc.org to view a listing. WBEs interested in doing business with the State of Texas are now able to apply for the required HUB certification through the WBCS (at no additional cost) along with the national WBE certification we already provide.
How much does certification cost?
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
This fee covers the cost to be certified and serves as your membership fee in the organization as well.
Why do I need to be certified?
Many of the nation's private and public corporations and government entities have a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Goals program. WBE's must meet a standard and be certified as such before contracts with them can be counted towards meeting the program goal. As a "Certified" WBE you have an additional marketing tool to get you in the door for consideration by major corporations throughout the country.
How long will my certification last?
Members are sent a recertification packet 90 days prior to expiration. All recertifications are reviewed annually and recertification is not automatic.
In what region does the WBCS certify?
The WBCS certifies women-owned businesses in: Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and central and north Texas. There are 13 other WBENC affiliates that cover the rest of the nation. Refer to the list of WBENC regional partner organizations.
The WBCS certifies women-owned businesses in: Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and central and north Texas. There are 13 other WBENC affiliates that cover the rest of the nation. Refer to the list of WBENC regional partner organizations.
Once I'm certified, what do I do to become a member of the WBCS?
Our certified WBEs are automatic members of the WBCS and entitled to full benefits.
What are the benefits of WBE Membership?
Benefits for WBE Members
Benefits for WBE Members
- National WBENC Certification assures potential clients of your WBE status.
- National WBENC Internet Database Listing provides contact information about your company that can be accessed by potential clients nationwide.
- Procurement Events such as the Round-Up trade fair, allow opportunities to make business contacts and gather information.
- 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 Sustaining Members whose procurement needs are specifically matched with your capabilities.
- Educational Programs conducted in collaboration with nationally recognized experts in small business management keep you informed.
- A Mentoring Program matches WBEs with other WBEs for short-term, goal-specific mentoring.
- A bi-monthly Table Topics Luncheon Series gives 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 lists important contact information.
- Done Deals™ program advertises the business conducted between WBE and Sustaining Members and tracks the total dollar amount.
- Opportunity to participate in national WBENC conferences and recognition events.
- Educational and networking events in cities throughout our four-state region.
What is a WBE?
"WBE" is an acronym for Women's Business Enterprise. This is a woman-owned business that is 51 percent or more owned, controlled and operated by women and has received WBENC certification.
What is the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)?
"WBENC" is an acronym for Women's Business Enterprise National Council (pronounced "wee bank"). This is the national organization that sets the certification standards and procedures administered by WBCS. Through WBENC, your certification is recognized nationwide.
How can I get corporations to do business with me?
The WBCS is not a "magic wand" for creating business deals, nor is your certification a guarantee for immediate business. The WBCS does its best to provide you access to corporate procurement decision-makers and facilitate relationship building with procurement representatives. Every event, program and tool that the WBCS provides to you, has the purpose of increasing your procurement opportunities. People do business with people they know, so get involved in Council activities, committees, events and programs. The relationships can begin there and blossom into business deals.
Is the WBCS the same as the Minority Supplier Development Council?
The two organizations are similar in that we both provide national certification programs. However, the WBCS provides memberships and certification to women business owners, and the Minority Council provides its services to ethnic minority-owned businesses. We have numerous WBE members that are also certified through the DFW Minority Supplier Development Council as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).