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Overview

WBENC certification is the most widely recognized and respected national certification in the U.S. for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).

Being certified as a woman-owned diverse supplier can open up opportunities previously inaccessible to your business.

In fact, the vast majority of Fortune 1000 corporations in the U.S. require WBENC certification before granting woman-owned businesses access to their supplier diversity programs. Being certified brings your business to corporate America’s attention.

WPEO, as a regional partner organization of WBENC, facilitates the certification process. Once you’re certified, WPEO works to ensure that your business reaps the benefits.

 

Is my business eligible for certification?

WBENC places strict requirements on proving that a business is woman-owned and managed before granting certification. The primary criteria for a business applying for WBENC certification concern whether the business has majority female ownership (at least 51% by one or more women) and is managed by women. Further, women must have unrestricted control of the business, and the highest defined title in the company’s legal documents must be held by a woman.

To see if your business qualifies, review the full certification criteria:

Certification Criteria


Through our offices in New York and Washington, D.C., WPEO provides WBENC certification in the following locations:

WPEO-NY

  • New York
  • Northern and Central New Jersey (through Trenton)
  • Southern Connecticut (through New Haven)

WPEO-DC

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
“There quickly comes a time when you need to shift your focus from working in the business to working on the business. The quicker you recognize this will place you in a better position to begin thinking strategically about where you want to take your business and how the resources and relationships you build will help sustain you along your journey.”
Jennifer D. Collins, President & CEO JDC Events - Silver Spring, MD
“As a leader in this network, it is important that I lead by example. I’ve had wonderful experiences partnering with other women-owned firms and look forward to bigger and better opportunities in the future.”
Avis Yates Rivers, CEO Technology Concepts Group International, LLC. - Somerset, NJ
“WBENC connects us with other woman-owned businesses that we can partner with and mentor for the success of our customers – and for each other.”
Jayne Millard, Chairman & Co-CEO Turtle & Hughes, Inc. - Linden, NJ

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Why Get Certified?

Access to hundreds of top corporations looking to work with certified WBEs, educational opportunities, and the support of a highly engaged community are just a few of the benefits enjoyed by certified WBEs. Once you’re certified, we’ll provide you with opportunities to integrate your business into the supply chains of Fortune 1000 companies, win more business, and reach some of your goals.

Benefits of Certification

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Recertification

WBENC certification is valid for a period of one year from the date of issue, and recertification is not automatic. It is important to keep your certification current to avoid missing business opportunities. Since the recertification process can take up to 90 days, we recommend that you begin well ahead of your expiration date. Failure to recertify in a timely manner could result in your business losing its WBE status.

Recertification

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Public Sector Certification

WPEO provides Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification as part of the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s WOSB Federal Contracting Program. Being a certified WOSB allows WBEs to access government contracting opportunities at the federal level – directly with federal agencies and federally funded corporations. Eligible WBEs can also streamline their certification with other public sector entities through WPEO’s collaborative relationships.

Public Sector Certification