Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
The Center for Women & Enterprise offers women business owners the ability to obtain formal status of their women-owned business through a variety of certifications. Certification allows businesses to bid on contracts as a women-owned business vendor in both the private sector and the public sector.
WBENC is the premier private-sector certification for women-owned businesses in the U.S. It verifies that your business is woman-owned and managed, opening doors to:
Corporate and government supply chains.
Targeted business opportunities.
Growth and education programs.
A powerful national network of entrepreneurs and supplier diversity professionals.
WBENC is also an approved certifier for the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.
The Benefits of Certification
Certification is a strategic tool for expanding your company's visibility among decision-makers.
Increase Visibility: Stand out to corporations and agencies actively looking to expand their supplier networks.
Marketing Tools: Gain the right to use the official Women Owned logo and WBE seal.
Customer Influence: Influence purchasing decisions from customers who want to support women-owned companies.
Credibility: Strengthen your credibility with lenders and procurement teams, which can lead to stronger banking relationships and funding opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for WBENC certification, a business must meet the following requirements:
Majority Ownership: At least 51% owned by one or more women.
Control and Management: One or more women must have unrestricted control of the business and demonstrated management of day-to-day operations.
Highest Title: A woman must hold the highest defined title in the company's legal documents.
Investment: There must be documented evidence of the woman’s contribution of capital and/or industry expertise.
Citizenship: The woman owner(s) must be U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.
Structure: The business must be a fully formed, operating, and documented entity (non-profits are not eligible).
CWE has been instrumental in our growth, providing expert guidance through consultations and resources. They were extremely helpful in getting our WBENC certification. Their information sessions leading up to the WBENC conference prepared us for a successful show. Through CWE's network, we gained invaluable connections that have supported UNICORN's rapid expansion as a supplier to fortune 500 companies and government agencies.
Thyme Sullivan & Denielle Finkelstein, UNICORN, Duxbury, MA
How CWE Partners with You
The certification process involves a thorough vetting process, including document review and a site visit. You don’t have to do it alone. CWE provides support to help you:
Determine Readiness: Understand if your business structure qualifies and if now is the right time to apply.
Document Preparation: Assist with understanding and refer you to consultants for help with the legal and financial documentation.
Strategic Positioning: Learn how to position your business to compete for real opportunities.
Education: Participate in free live webinars to ask questions and learn about the process.
Get "In the Room"
CWE helps you turn connections into community and strategy through:
Matchmaking Sessions: Direct procurement meetings with corporate buyers at our matchmaker events and annual Business Summit.
Pitch Clinics: Workshops to refine your pitch deck.
National Conferences: Participation in the WBENC National Conference with a CWE delegation.
Peer Networks: Attend WBE Regional Forum events to connect with fellow WBEs to share best practices and find mentors.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Certify your business and open up a world of possibilities.
