Women-Owned Business Certifications

There are several certifications available for women-owned businesses that can help gain visibility, access funding, and open doors for networking and business opportunities. The primary certification programs are:

1. WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) Certification

• Overview: The WBENC certification is one of the most widely recognized certifications for women-owned businesses. It provides national recognition and opportunities for companies to become suppliers for larger corporations and government agencies.

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% woman-owned, operated, and controlled by a woman.

• Benefits: Access to a national network of women-owned businesses, resources, and opportunities with major corporations that seek to diversify their supply chains.

• Application Process:

  • Submit an application through the WBENC portal.

  • Provide documentation about ownership, operations, financials, and other relevant business details.

• Website: https://www.wbenc.org/

2. WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) Certification

• Overview: This certification is specific to businesses that want to do business with the federal government. It helps to provide more contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses.

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% women-owned, and the woman owner must control the daily operations. For federal contracts, it must also be a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

• Benefits: Increased opportunities for government contracts, set-aside contracts, and direct access to the SBA’s resources.

• Application Process:

  • Register in the System for Award Management (SAM).

  • Complete the SBA’s WOSB application through the SBA’s Certify.SBA.gov website.

• Website: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-businesses

3. DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Certification

• Overview: DBE is designed for small businesses owned by women (or minorities) that want to participate in federally funded transportation projects. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) runs this program.

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% women-owned and controlled, and it must meet other small business criteria.

• Benefits: Eligibility for participation in transportation contracts, access to funding, and networking opportunities in the transportation industry.

• Application Process:

  • Apply through your local state or regional DOT office.

• Website: https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise

4. NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) – Women-Owned Business

• Overview: Though primarily for minority-owned businesses, NMSDC offers certification for women who are also part of minority groups.

• Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% minority women-owned and must meet certain size standards for small businesses.

• Benefits: Access to a network of major corporations looking to diversify their supplier base and inclusion in minority supplier development programs.

• Application Process:

  • Apply through the NMSDC’s portal and submit required documents about your business.

• Website: https://www.nmsdc.org/

5. SBA 8(a) Certification (for Women-Owned Small Businesses)

• Overview: The SBA 8(a) program helps small businesses (including women-owned ones) secure government contracts by providing access to set-aside contracts and other assistance.

• Eligibility: Businesses must be 51% women-owned and meet the size standards defined by the SBA.

• Benefits: Assistance in obtaining government contracts, training, and a clear path for business growth.

• Application Process:

  • Register with the SBA, then apply through their online portal.

• Website: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development

6. Certifications for State and Local Contracts

• Overview: Many states and local governments have their own certification programs for women-owned businesses. These certifications are often required for local and state government contracting.

• Eligibility: Varies by state, but generally, businesses must be at least 51% women-owned and meet other requirements.

• Benefits: Access to state and local government contracts, special initiatives, and funding opportunities.

• Application Process:

  • Apply through the respective state or local government’s business certification program.

• Website: Check your state or local government website for more information.

Each certification program has different benefits depending on your business goals, whether you want to grow through government contracts, corporate supplier diversity programs, or specialized industry sectors.

This content is for general educational purposes only and does not to provide any specific legal advice. By using this Site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and Trident Legal or Attorney Lingos.  This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your jurisdiction.