WBENC WBE Certification

Did you know that many corporations won’t even begin the relationship-building process with you if your business is not WBENC-certified?

Bottom line: If your business is 51% owned and controlled by a woman or women, and you’re targeting corporate contracts, then WBENC certification may be for you.

Certification Benefits

When you become a WBENC-certified business, you can take advantage of numerous services and programs offered both regionally and nationally, including:

Connections

  • Access to thousands of supplier diversity and purchasing professionals from leading corporations, including regional corporate members such as Staples, Comcast, Raytheon, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UPS, John Hancock, among others
  • Access to WBENCLink, WBENC’s password-protected, searchable online database of 1,000+ corporate contacts and 11,000+ certified women-owned businesses nationwide
  • CWE and WBENC Networking & MatchMaker opportunities
  • Regional & national networking events, expos, and conferences where you can explore business opportunities with corporate members and/or other WBENC-certified women-owned businesses

Coaching & Counsel

  • Invitations to best practices webinars, workshops, and programs offered through CWE, WBENC National, and other WBENC Regional Partner Organizations
  • Opportunity to participate in Corporate Mentor Program, where you could be paired with a mentor from one of our New England Corporate Members
  • Two (2) complimentary consulting sessions, including legal and accounting consultants

Credentials

  • Automatic inclusion in WBENC, WBENC's online database of certified women-owned businesses, searchable by corporate members
  • Use of "WBENC-Certified Women's Business Enterprise" logo in your marketing materials
  • Eligibility to promote your business through sponsorships or speaking opportunities at WBENC regional and national events

Certification Criteria, Process & Fees

As the Regional Partner Organization for WBENC, CWE certifies all women-owned businesses headquartered in New England. Apply for WBENC Certification Here.

Criteria for Consideration

  • 51% ownership by a woman or women
  • Proof of effective management and control of the business (operating position, legal & HR decisions, company strategy, signature role on loans and contracts)
  • Contribution of capital and/or expertise
  • Independence in decision-making

WBENC Certification Process


WBENC Certification Process

*Certification Committee is comprised of impartial supplier diversity professionals, community advocates, certified women-owned businesses

Annual Fee

Company's Gross Revenue
(most recent tax return)		 Under $1M $1M-$4.99M $5M-$9.99M Over $10M
Annual Application Fee
(non-refundable)		 $350 $500 $750 $1,000

Corporate Members

One of the main benefits of certification is access to a current list of supplier diversity and purchasing professionals at hundreds of major U.S. corporations that accept WBENC certification.

View list of WBENC Corporate Members nationwide.

Locally, dozens of leading corporations have partnered with CWE to support our mission, WBENC's mission, and certified women-owned businesses across New England.

CWE-WBENC Corporate Members

Locally, dozens of leading corporations have partnered with CWE to support our mission, WBENC's mission, and certified women-owned businesses across New England.

View the list of CWE-WBENC Corporate Members

WBENC Events & Programs

All WBENC-certified businesses are eligible to participate in these and other events and programs offered through CWE, WBENC National, and other WBENC Regional Partner organizations:

Local WBENC Events/Programs (Through CWE)

WBENC National Events/Programs

WBENC Regional Partner Organizations' Events/Programs

Members Only

Access WBENCLink WBENCLink is WBENC National's Internet database of certified women-owned businesses and corporations with supplier diversity programs. When effectively used, WBENCLink can be an important marketing and networking tool. Not only can you increase and manage your company's visibility among corporate supplier diversity and purchasing professionals through WBENCLink, but you can also quickly and easily identify corporations that purchase the goods and/or services your company provides.

Download or Print Your WBENC Certificate

Download the WBENC Logo Maximize the value of your certification.  Use the "Certified WBENC Women's Business Enterprise" seal in all your marketing materials (business cards, stationery, collateral, website, social media, etc.) to visually identify your business as certified according to WBENC's National Standards and Procedures.

Re-Certify Your Business Re-certification is not automatic.  You should begin the re-certification process 90 days prior to the expiration date of your current certificate. Failing to do so could result in your certification expiring before re-certification approval. To re-certify your business, you will need to submit updated financial information, board meeting minutes (if applicable), and any supporting documents to illustrate changes that may have occurred in either ownership or management of your business. Re-certification fees are the same as certification fees. To begin the re-certification process, log in to your account at WBENCLink.org.