Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
The Center for Women & Enterprise offers women business owners the ability to obtain formal status of their diversity through a variety of certifications. Certification allows businesses to bid on contracts as a diverse vendor in both the private sector and the public sector.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the premiere private sector certification that gives women-owned businesses an advantage in the corporate bidding arena.
The Benefits of Certification
Certification is an important tool for expanding your company's visibility among decision-makers in supplier diversity and procurement.
The Center for Women & Enterprise guidance empowered us to refine our business strategies and obtain women’s business enterprise certification, opening doors for greater visibility and opportunities.
Nadine James, Unique Café, Worcester, MA
WBENC Certification Eligibility
WBENC Certification validates that a business is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women.
This means one or more women must have:
unrestricted control of the business
a demonstrated management of day-to-day operations, and
a proportionate investment of capital or expertise
To become certified, business owners undergo a thorough vetting process, including review of business documentation and a site visit.
Eligibility Criteria
Majority (at least 51%) ownership by one or more women
Demonstrated proof of woman management and control of business
Unrestricted woman's control of the business in legal documents and day-to-day operations
A woman holding the highest defined title in the company's legal documents
Documented evidence of woman's contribution of capital and/or industry expertise
Status of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident for woman owner(s) constituting majority ownership
There are 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., representing 42% of all businesses.
Yet there is still significant disparity in revenue and capital between these business and others.
WBENC is helping bridge that gap — through access to opportunities, programs that accelerate growth, and campaigns to influence consumer buying behaviors.
