Certification
How are GWBC® and WBENC connected?
Greater Women's Business Council (GWBC®) is one of 14 Regional Partner Organizations in the U.S. that certifies women-owned businesses in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. GWBC® certification is recognized by the national organization, WBENC.
WBENC is the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a leading nonprofit organization with a mission to help women-owned businesses thrive by promoting innovation and creating partnerships that open doors and fuel the economy.
A WBENC certification validates that a business is at least 51% owned and operated by a woman or women. WBENC has more than 350 major corporations who accept this world class certification.
What is WBENC and WOSB Certification?
If you are looking to do business with the federal government then you can consider applying for the Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification by the Small Business Administration (SBA). As with the WBENC certification, the WOSB certification validates that a Woman Owned Small Business not only meets the standards of female ownership and control of a business but also meets certain size and revenue requirements.
Note: Applicants must be approved through the WBENC certification process prior to review of the WOSB applications.
Why do I need the WBENC certification? Will being certified as a woman business owner bring me more business?
Most major corporations have supplier initiatives to support diverse suppliers such as women businesses. Certification is a vetting tool used to identify these diverse suppliers for procurement opportunities that may support the company’s annual supplier spend goals. Most corporations require vendors to register on their company supplier website.
While WBENC Certification can be an incredible marketing tool, it does not guarantee a contract with a corporation. WBEs must invest the time to build relationships to get the most out of certification.
Economic Impact Stories
Women-owned and small businesses play a critical role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, creating jobs and positively impacting communities, employing approximately 12.2 million people and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue annually.
The WBENC Economic Impact Initiative showcases examples of the immense impact that these businesses are making.
In fact, GWBC's WBEs generate more than $11 billion in revenue for the states of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Is certification right for you?
If your business is looking for new business prospects, you should ask yourself these three questions:
1.
Do you have the right product or service for the client you are seeking to do business with?
2.
Can you provide a quality product and service with on-time delivery?
3.
Do you have the capacity to fulfill the obligations of the contract?
If you answered yes, then grow your business and expand your network by becoming WBENC certified!
WBENC Certification Processing Fee*
*Non-refundable
Payments may be made by ACH or check, or by credit card with a 3% processing fee.
Under $1M
$350
$1M – $4.9M
$500
$5M – $9.9M
$750
$10M – $49.9M
$1,000
$50M+
$1,250
How to Get Certified in 2026
All sessions are held virtually from 1:00PM – 2:00PM. Register now for informational session on the following dates:
Jan 15
Feb 17
Mar 19
Apr 14
May 14
Jun 16
Aug 13
Sep 15
Oct 15
Nov 17
*Dates and times are subject to change
Benefits
WBENC certification opens doors to new business opportunities by providing access to a national database of corporations and government entities with supplier programs seeking to do business with certified women-owned businesses.
Regional partner organizations (RPOs) such as GWBC® also organize and execute a variety of formal and informal networking opportunities to pursue business deals with corporations and other women-owned businesses throughout the year, including Power of Partnering (POP), the Accelerate Series, Mornings with GWBC, Tables of 8 and more/. The WBENCLink2.0, is a great online network database of WBENC-certified WBEs and corporate and government entities nationwide looking for suppliers or other small business collaborators.
As part of a network of supportive women entrepreneurs and advocates, WBENC-certified WBEs also have access to exclusive programs and resources designed to help businesses grow and thrive through each RPO.
Important Links
Eligibility/How to Apply
Recertification
WBENCLink 2.0
Log into the WBENCLink2.0 network
Sign up for our Newsletter!
GWBC® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. When you donate today, you directly support programs that help women bring their visions to life — becoming a champion for your daughter, sister, mother, friend and future generations of women business owners
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