Women-Owned Business Certification Process
The WBENC certification process validates that a business is primarily owned and operated by a woman or women. It involves a rigorous vetting process that begins with a review of documents related to ownership, financial structure, personnel, management, and governance. Once documentation meets the certification criteria, a Regional Partner Organization conducts a site visit interview with the female owner or owners. Because the process is so thorough, WBENC certification is considered the premiere standard for women-owned business certification in the United States.
Certified women-owned businesses “gain access to a vast network of support, including targeted business opportunities for certified women-owned firms, increased visibility in corporate and government supply chains, education and development programs to spur growth and increase capacity, and networking and mentorship opportunities with thousands of women entrepreneurs and those who support them,” according to WBENC.
