WBE CERTIFICATION

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 Membership.

National Certification | Certification Criteria | The Application Process | Recertification Process | Benefits of Certification | WBCS Membership Benefits | Downloadables

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 hundreds 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 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.

Back to the top

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.

Back to the top

The Application Process

• 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 four years. Start the application process, or for more information please e-mail Anita Steele, Certification Manager or Kelly Francis, Certification Associate.

Back to the top

Recertification

Certified WBEs need to recertify every year. It is recommended that you begin the recertification process 90 days prior to your expiration date.  A site visit is required every four years, please allow additional processing time if a site visit is due.  Since automated expiration notices may be filtered to your spam folder, we suggest that you set a recurring Outlook reminder 90 days prior to your annual expiration.

Log into WBENCLink.org with your company's User ID and Password to update your company profile. Once your profile is finalized, print the "Summary" view and "submit".

Gather the required documents:

• Completed Application
• Notarized Affidavit
• User Agreement
• Updated Tax Return
• Updated Financial Statements
• Current Board Meeting Minutes (required for corporations only)
• If applicable, copy of most recent W2’s
• If applicable, copy of most recently signed lease agreement
• Resumes/proof of gender and citizenship for any new female owners
• If there have been any changes in the structure or ownership, updated documentation must be provided

To ensure that your file is stamped complete when received, it is important to account for each document requested. Send a written statement advising which document(s) do not apply to your company and why.

Include your non-refundable recertification fee made payable to Women’s Business Council - Southwest and mail all documents to us.

Back to the top

Benefits of Certification

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

Back to the top

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. WBEs BUNDLE your sponsorships (Word, 164K) and SAVE on your membership/processing fee for 2012. Affiliate Members can save too,
  Affiliates BUNDLE now (Word, 164K)
• 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.
• 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.

Back to the top

Downloadables

WBE prospect information (Acrobat, 157K)