If you are a woman business owner whose company has revenues in excess of $500 million or a unique business structure, you may be eligible for a special WBE designation through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBE certification is a valuable credential that can help you access new opportunities, network with other women-owned businesses, and gain recognition from corporate and government entities that value diversity and inclusion. In this blog post, we will explain the certification procedures for exceptional WBEs (EWBEs) and what you need to know to prepare your application.
The first step to apply for WBE certification is to submit a completed affidavit and supporting documentation to your Regional Partner Organization (RPO), which is a regional nonprofit organization that administers the certification process on behalf of WBENC. Your RPO will review your affidavit and documentation for completeness and accuracy and may request additional information or clarification if needed. Your RPO will also conduct a site visit at your principal place of business to verify the information you provided and assess your ownership and control of the business.
If your RPO determines that your business meets the criteria for EWBE designation, it will send your file and application processing fees to WBENC Headquarters for further review by the National Certification Review Committee (NCRC). The NCRC is an ad hoc committee of the National Certification Committee (NCC), which is responsible for developing and maintaining the standards and procedures for WBE certification. The NCRC consists of corporate, government, and WBE representatives, as well as an attorney, a CPA, and other experts as needed. The NCRC will evaluate your file and make a recommendation to the RPO Executive Director or President, who will make the final certification decision and notify you of the outcome within seven days.
If your application is approved, you will receive a certificate showing your WBE and EWBE status, as well as your United Nations Standard Product & Services Codes (UNSPSC) and North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes, which indicate the functional mission of your business. You will also be listed on WBENCLink, a proprietary online database that connects certified WBEs with WBENC's corporate and government members. Your WBE certification is valid for one year, and you will need to complete a re-certification affidavit and submit updated documentation prior to the expiration date to maintain your status.
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision to the local RPO Board of Directors and the WBENC Board of Directors, following the procedures outlined in the WBENC Standards and Procedures document. You can also re-apply for certification six months after the date of the original denial letter.
