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Certified Women's Business Enterprise Definition

Certification Eligibility

Certification Availablility, Fees and Application

Certification Process

Certification Resources & Benefits

What is the definition of a Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE)?

WEConnect International defines a certified women's business enterprise (WBE) as a company that is at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women and has completed the WEConnect certification process which determines compliance with WEConnect certification criteria. Certification assures corporate buyers they are purchasing from a female supplier.

Certification Eligibility

  • Are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women
  • Operate a legally registered business in any sector
  • Have the capacity to sell to large corporations and/or the ability to scale their operations
  • Is growth oriented

Certification Availability, Fees and Applications

Certification is open to businesses based in one of the following geographic areas. For pricing and country specific applications, please choose the country where your business is primarily located.

If you are eligible for Certification but it is not yet available in your geographic area, please consider Self Registration. We will inform you when Certification reaches your area.

What is the Certification Process?

1. Submission of an online WEConnect International Certification Application.

2. Pay a non-refundable application fee, which varies by country (this is an annual fee that includes all costs, including the cost of travel for assessors).

3. Once the application is in order and payment is received, a team member will contact the applicant to schedule a site visit and document review.

4. At the site visit, the assessor will spend approximately 1-2 hours meeting with the prime applicant and reviewing documents that prove the business is at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women.

5. If the assessor determines that the business is at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women, WEConnect International will issue a certificate that will be valid for 1 year.

6. At the end of the first year, a certified business can update their application online and if there has been no material change to their business that would impact their status, then a new certificate will be issued for the standard certification fee.

7. The re-certification process can be repeated in year three, but a site visit will be required in year four and every third year thereafter.

Certified businesses have access to many resources and benefits, including:

  • Our secure global online community of corporate members and women owned businesses.
  • A business readiness assessment to identify areas where the WEConnect network can provide capacity building support.
  • Invitation to online forums presented by corporate members, with overviews of their procurement process and practical tips on responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
  • Networking opportunities with procurement officers from member corporations.
  • Training workshops on how to leverage your certification.
  • Coaching and mentoring from other certified companies on key success factors and strategies.
  • Opportunity to attend global and local events, as well as register for the dynamic annual conference of WBENC, our United States certification partner.