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Certification

How are GWBC and WBENC Connected?

What is WBENC and WOSB Certification?

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.

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 certification? Will being certified as a woman business owner bring me more business?


Most major corporations have supplier diversity 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 diversity spend goals. Most corporations require vendors to register on their company supplier diversity website.

While WBENC Certification can be an incredible marketing tool, it does not guarantee a contract with a corporation. WBEs have to be willing to invest the time to build relationships to get the most out of certification.

Is Certification Right for You?

The Process is Simple! 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?


Yes? Grow your business and expand your network by becoming WBENC certified!


Click Here to review the WBENC Certification Process.

Click Here to apply for new WBENC Certification.

Click Here for more information on WOSB Certification.

WBENC Certification Application Processing Fee*


Under $1M - $350
$1M - $4.9M - $500
$5M - $9.9M - $750
$10M - $49.9M - $1,000
$50M+ - $1,250

*Non-refundable

Benefits


WBENC certification opens doors to new business opportunities by providing access to a national database of corporations and government entities that have supplier diversity programs seeking to do business with certified women-owned businesses.

Formal and informal networking opportunities to pursue business deals with corporations and other women-owned businesses are also available through regional partner organizations (RPO) such as GWBC. The  WBENCLink2.0, is a great online network database of WBENC-certified WBEs and corporate and government entities nationwide.

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 the RPOs.

See the Benefits 

Eligibility/How to Apply


Certification Process 

Recertification


Recertification Process 






WBENCLink 2.0

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