Free tool
WBE Certification Eligibility Checker
Wondering if your business qualifies as a Women's Business Enterprise? Answer three quick questions and Sam will tell you, in plain English, whether WBE certification is worth pursuing — and how it differs from the federal WOSB program. No login, instant results.
WBE certification, explained
WBE certificationopens corporate supplier-diversity programs and state and local government contracts with women-participation goals. It's separate from the federal WOSB set-aside — so it's worth knowing whether you qualify, which certifier fits the buyers you want, and whether you should also pursue WOSB for federal work.
- What is WBE certification?
- WBE — Women's Business Enterprise — is a certification used for corporate supplier-diversity programs and state and local government contracting. The leading national private certifier is WBENC; many state and city governments run their own WBE programs. It is not the federal WOSB set-aside.
- What's the difference between WBE and WOSB?
- WBE is a private/state certification (WBENC or a government program) for corporate supplier diversity and state/local contracts. WOSB is the SBA's federal women-owned set-aside program. Many women-owned firms get both — WBE for corporate and state/local buyers, WOSB for federal set-asides.
- Who qualifies for WBE?
- A for-profit business at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women. Ownership and control must be real and continuing — the women owners must run day-to-day operations and make the long-term decisions, verified in review.
- What does WBE certification cost?
- WBENC certification charges a processing fee that varies by your regional partner organization and company size. State and city government WBE programs are often free. Check the specific certifier for current fees.
Check your WBE eligibility
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