Your business may already be women-owned, but WBE certification helps you document that ownership for buyers who require it.
For women entrepreneurs looking to reach new customers, certification can be a useful step toward corporate supplier diversity programs and participating government procurement programs.
Before applying, it helps to understand what WBE certification means, which program fits your business, and how you plan to use it.
What Is WBE Certification?
Women’s Business Enterprise, or WBE, certification verifies that a business meets a certifying organization’s requirements for women’s ownership, management, and control.
For certification through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), at least 51% of the business must be owned, controlled, operated, and managed by one or more women. The review examines both business records and how the company actually operates.
Certification gives participating buyers a way to verify your business’s women-owned status. However, the certification they accept depends on their procurement requirements.
What Are the Benefits of WBE Certification?
WBENC certification can provide access to buyer connections, networking, business development resources, and opportunities within its participating corporate and government network. Benefits include:
- Buyer visibility: Help procurement and supplier diversity teams identify your company as a certified women-owned business.
- Business connections: Meet potential customers, partners, and other certified businesses.
- Education and development: Access programs that support business growth and contracting readiness.
- Marketing tools: Use approved certification branding to communicate your status.
These benefits are most useful when you have a clear idea of who buys your products or services.
Certification does not guarantee contracts. You still need to show buyers that your business can meet their needs, deliver reliably, and offer competitive value.
WBE vs. WOSB Certification: What Is the Difference?
| Certification | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| WBE | Verify women-owned status for buyers that accept the issuing organization’s certification |
| WOSB | Establish eligibility for certain federal contracting opportunities reserved for certified women-owned small businesses |
| EDWOSB | Establish eligibility for certain federal opportunities requiring Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business status |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers the WOSB Federal Contract program. Certain federal contracts in eligible industries are reserved for WOSBs or EDWOSBs.
WBE certification alone does not establish eligibility for federal WOSB set-aside contracts. A set-aside is a contract competition limited to businesses that meet specified eligibility requirements.
If federal contracting is part of your growth plan, review the WOSB program separately.
National vs. State and Local WBE Certification
The best certification depends on the customers you want to reach.
Start with the buyer’s requirements. Before applying, confirm which certification your target customer accepts.
This approach helps you choose a certification that supports actual business opportunities.
WBE Certification Requirements
Requirements vary by certifying organization. For WBENC certification, key eligibility criteria include:
- At least 51% ownership by one or more women.
- Demonstrated management and control by women.
- Unrestricted control in legal documents and daily operations.
- A woman holding the highest defined position in the company’s legal documents.
- Evidence of the qualifying women owners’ contribution of capital or industry expertise.
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status for the women constituting majority ownership.
Review your chosen program’s standards before submitting an application.
Get Help With Your WBE Certification
Thanks to decades of experience, our GSA Consultants at Government Services Exchange are prepared to assist you throughout the GSA Contract process.
Our experts will determine your readiness and eligibility through proper documentation. Next, we will develop an in-depth proposal that meets all of the General Service Administrations’ requirements.
Finally, we will structure a detailed pricing plan that will be competitive yet profitable for your company. If you’re ready to see if your business can take on a GSA Schedule Contract, call us now at (727) 645-0855.
