Where Can You Get Certified as a Women Owned Business?
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Most women-owned businesses choose to get certified through a third-party WBE provider.
The most popular is the National Women’s Business Owner Corporation (NWBOC), which was the first certifier in the country. The NWBOC has a certification kit on sale that includes a guide to the application process and a way to organize your application material. Another option is the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a non-profit based in Washington, D.C. that helps women get certified.
Some states offer programs for businesses to become WBE certified. You can check with your state’s Office of Equal Opportunity or Department of Economic Development. Going through a city or state agency may be the best route if you plan to do business within the state and do not need national certification.
While getting certified can seem like an uphill battle, it will be worth it in the end. Be prepared to establish proof that a woman is actually a majority owner with majority control of the company as this is where most people run into trouble. For example, if Rebecca owns 100% of Company A but the company’s operating agreement has a transfer of ownership provision that means Rebecca must give fellow owner John a right of first refusal if she sells her interest, Rebecca’s ownership rights in the company are provisional and the company would not qualify for certification.
Source: WomenonBusiness
Patty Block, President and Founder of The Block Group, established her company to advocate for women-owned businesses, helping them position their companies for strategic growth. Charting the course for impactful, sustainable, profitable businesses, the beacon is control: of your strategic direction, your money, your time, your staffing, and your ability to bring in business. The Block Group brings together the people, resources and ideas that build results.
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