WBE CERTIFICATION

Is yours a woman-owned business? Read on to learn how you can be certified as a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) member.  If you are with a corporation or government entity looking to do business with certified WBEs, click here to learn about Sustaining Membership.

National Certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise

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 over 700 major corporations, non-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 also screens applicants for certification with the State of Texas as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). So, eligible businesses can receive both certifications through the WBCS in one application process.

Certification Criteria

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

The Application Process

You may review WBENC’s certification criteria, application instructions and apply online by visiting www.wbenc.org. Once your completed application has been submitted online, you will receive electronic notification from the website and from WBCS instructing you where to mail your supporting documentation and non-refundable $250 processing/membership fee. 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 3 years. Click here to start the application process, or for more information please email Erica Williams at ewilliams@wbcsouthwest.org.

Benefits of Certification

As a certified WBE, you will be entitled to:

• List your business profile in WBENCLink, an internet database that is accessed by hundreds of corporations throughout the United States
• Have access to a directory of corporations accepting WBENC certification
• Use a special WBENC seal on you letterhead, business cards, and other marketing materials
• Participate in 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 Women’s Business Round-Up Trade Fair and the Power To Potential Business Forum, 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 Sustaining (corporate) 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.
• A Mentoring Program matches WBEs with other WBEs for goal-specific mentoring.
• Table Topic 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 (northern 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.