Getting a business certified as a woman owned operation is not very difficult. Just as a business certified as a minority owned operation has it’s advantages, so too does a woman owned business. First things first, what qualifies a business as a woman owned business? By law, the business must be at least 51% owned by a woman or group of women to qualify. The cost of certification is anywhere from $350-$1,200 depending on the location of your business and the certification authority.
How do I certify my business as woman-owned?
While the federal government doesn’t require you to certify, it will definitely help you in winning certain contracts; especially government contracts. You can self certify at the Central Contractor Registration. There are also two large organizations that will help you certify as a women-owned business. They are:
1.) WBENC – Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- They offer certification for women owned businesses that are administered through 14 of their regional affiliates. You certification through the WBENC will be honored and accepted through more than 700 national corporations as well as almost every state and local government in the United States of America.
2.) NWBOB – National Women’s Business Owners Corporation
- The second private certification org. is called NWBOB and they have launched a nation certification program for women owned and controlled companies as an alternative to state and local government certifications. Many public and private sector companies are required to utilize minority and women owned businesses, this certification is honored by more than 100 major corporations, agencies and organizations
