Women-Owned Businesses: Becoming WBENC Certified

Women-owned businesses are flourishing, breaking barriers, and making a significant impact on the global economy. Let’s shed light on the importance of women-owned businesses and the benefits of becoming a certified WBE through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses:

Women-owned businesses have become a powerful force in the business landscape, bringing diversity, innovation, and resilience. According to Biz Women, women-owned businesses now represent 39.1% of all U.S. businesses. Their ranks increased by 13.6% from 2019 — the year before the pandemic — to 2023 — the year the pandemic officially ended. In the past year, 2022 to 2023, their ranks increased by 5.9%.

The Importance of Women-Owned Businesses

Women-owned businesses represent economic empowerment, gender equality, and innovation. By providing women with equal opportunities for entrepreneurship, these businesses contribute to economic growth by creating jobs and helping develop the local community. Successful women entrepreneurs also serve as role models, inspiring others and challenging traditional gender roles. By supporting women-owned businesses you not only helps close the gender wealth gap, but you also create a more inclusive and prosperous society overall.

The Role of WBENC:

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a leading advocate for women-owned businesses, providing certification and resources to support their growth.

WBENC was founded in 1997 to develop a nationwide standard for women-owned business certification. Since then, the organization has grown to become the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States and a leading advocate for women-owned businesses in corporate and government supply chains.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit, WBENC partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its world-class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country and offers programming and resources to help them thrive.

Certifying Your Business as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE):

WBENC Certification validates that a business is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. This means one or more women must have unrestricted control of the business, a demonstrated management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate investment of capital or expertise. To become certified, business owners undergo a thorough vetting process, including review of business documentation and a site visit.

Because of this thorough process, WBENC Certification is considered the gold standard for women-owned business certification and is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations, in addition to some states, cities, and other entities. Once certified, women-owned businesses are designated as WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises, or commonly referred to as WBEs.

If you are a woman entrepreneur looking to certify your business through WBENC, visit here.

Women-owned businesses are not just contributors to the economy; they are trailblazers, shaping industries and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs. Equality Careers loves partnering with women owned businesses looking to diversify their workforce. Through our platform, job seekers  can explore a wide range of positions in industries ranging from technology and finance to healthcare and retail, all within the realm of women-owned businesses. One of our goals is to promote gender diversity in the workplace and empower women to pursue their own career.