Criteria to Become a Certified
Women's Business Enterprise (WBE)
A women-owned business is defined as being owned, capitalized, operated and controlled by a woman or group of women. The business must be a "for-profit" business which physically resides in the United States or one of it territories. Some applications require US Citizenship and some will accept legal residency. Note: Non-For-Profit companies DO NOT qualify for any certifications.
Ownership by women means the business is at least 51% owned a woman or group of women. In the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more women. Further, the management and daily operations are controlled by those women.
- Fifty-one percent (51%) established ownership by a woman or a group of women.
- Evidence of proof of 51% majority control and effective management of the business as evidence by the governing documents such as by-laws, hire-fire authority and other decision-making roles.
- Ownership of women must establish their expertise in area they are seeking certification.
- Percentage of ownership equity and capitalization is commensurate with ownership percentage.
- Control of the business as evidenced by signature role on debt or financial instruments, legally binding documents such as leases and contracts.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or be a legal resident.
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