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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, 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
“As a WBE, I have been exposed to opportunities to grow my business. I encourage all women-owned businesses to join. Simply stated…Join…Share…Grow!”
Nancy M., President
MarketShare, LLC - Brentwood, NY
“While promoting the growth of business internally, WPEO programs also connects WBEs externally through the unified sisterhood of the WBENC community.”
Michelle B., President
1st Choice, LLC - Baltimore, MD
“The return on investment in obtaining a WBENC certification has been outstanding from a business perspective, but that is just the beginning of the benefits of WPEO membership.”
Liz E., Co-CEO
Transperfect - New York, NY
“I have been able to meet and form great relationships with WBE’s across the country. My association with WPEO/WBENC has substantially improved my bottom line.”
Loreley F., President
Daystar Promotions, Inc. - Freehold, 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 1000s 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