Please click on the link below to be directed to the FAQ topic
1. How long does the process take?
The process can take up to 90 days once we receive a complete file. In that time frame, your file will be reviewed by the certification committee and a committee member will conduct a site visit. Note, the 90-day time frame begins from the date of a completed application. Incomplete applications can delay the certification process.
2. How long is a company's certification valid?
The certification lasts for one year from the date of issue. WBEs that wish to remain certified must recertify each year. However, WBEs are encouraged to begin the recertification process 90 days prior to the expiration date.
3. I am certified by another entity. Why should I get this certification?
The Women's Business Enterprise National Council provides the most widely recognized and respected certification in the United States for women's business enterprises (WBEs). Through WPEO, a partner organization of WBENC, your business can apply for a certification that is accepted by over 800 major corporations, non-profit organizations, as well as many local, state, and Federal government agencies. WBENC certification is an important marketing tool for expanding your company's visibility among and access to decision makers in supplier diversity and procurement offices. Many corporations require that you be WBENC certified before providing access to their supplier diversity programs.
4. What is the fee for certification?
Fees are determined by each RPO based on the specific markets served. The current application fee for WPEO-NY and DC is $350 and is non-refundable.Please contact the appropriate RPO directly to determine applicable fees. Simply visit www.wbenc.org, click on the Certification tab, click on Regional Partner Organizations in the drop down box, then select your state from the Regional Map to identify the correct RPO for your region/state.
5. For any other certification/recertification questions you may have such as:
- How do I recertify my business and will my company have to re-submit all of the same documentation?
- Is recertification automatic?
- Who do I call to check the status of my certification?
- My company applied for recertification early - will the expiration date change?
- How do I get a list of corporations who accept the certification?
- What is the difference between WBENC certification and my state's certification?.
- Is my certification transferable if I sell my business to another woman?
- I did not submit my application within the 90 days allowed, what do I do?
*Please refer to : http://www.wbenc.org/Certification/Certification-FAQs/
1. How do I report a contract with a corporation or WBE (Done Deal™)?
Visit the Done Deals™ section of the website and submit the completed form to the either the NY or DC office, depending on your region. Remember, your Done Deal™ does not have to be the direct result of a WPEO event, program or contact. We simply want to publicly recognize your company for doing business with one of our corporate sponsors or another WBE firm by including a brief description of the "deal" in our quarterly newsletter.
2. What if my deal is with a Prime Supplier to a Corporation?
Your deal is still valid. Please select the corporation that is the final benefit of your services.
Other
1. Why do I have to supply my company's financial information?
Financial documents, such as the Profit & Loss Statement, provide evidence that the applicant is conducting the business as described in the application. Documents such as the Balance Sheet and tax returns are used collectively to verify the ownership, management, and control by the women owners. Please note that the certification process does not evaluate the company's profitability or financial viability.
2. What is WBENC and how does it differ from my local/regional affiliate?
The Women's Business Enterprise National Council, commonly referred to as WBENC, is the leading authority on and certifying organization for women's business enterprises (WBEs) in the U.S. and U.S. territories. One of the most widely recognized and accepted certifications in the nation; WBENC's certification is accepted by hundreds of U.S. corporations, as well as select federal, state and local government agencies. WBENC is headquartered in Washington, DC with 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) throughout the U.S. Each RPO processes certification applications on behalf of WBENC and adheres to WBENC's stringent Standards and Procedures to maintain the integrity of WBENC's Certification Program.
3. What if I don't have a document that is required?*
Please submit a letter, along with the other required documentation, stating which documents do not apply and why. NOTE: There is a difference between a document that does not apply and a document that has not been created. If it can be created, it should be.
4. What documents are considered as acceptable proof of gender and citizenship?
Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or passport. We accept drivers licenses as proof of gender.
5. Who will see the paperwork and documents I submit?
All of the RPOs have Certification Review Committees who have been trained in WBENC's Standards & Procedures. Upon signing a Confidentiality Agreement, Committee members review the information and make recommendations regarding the certifiability of each applicant.
6. How am I assured of the confidentiality of my documents once I send them?
All submitted documents are treated with the utmost confidentiality. In addition, all files are kept under lock and key. Only RPO staff members have access to these files. During the Certification Review Committee meetings, the file is reviewed by the Committee. Any Committee members in a competitive industry do not have access to the file, nor are they present during any discussion of your application. Additionally, staff and Committee members sign Confidentiality Disclosure statements agreeing to keep all information confidential and proprietary with the understanding that any disclosure could cause harm to the applicant. The RPOs take your privacy and the confidentiality of your information very seriously.
7. How do I download my company's certificate?
Go onto WBENCLink.org and log into your profile. Then select WBE from the menu box at the left. In the sub-menus, select from high resolution "HR" or low resolution "LR" certificate versions. The HR certificate works best for printed copies, and the LR certificate works best for uploading to corporate vendor registration sites and for e-mail purposes. NOTE: A company must have a current status of Certified in order to print a certificate.
8. What is a site visit?
A site visit is an interview at the applicant's main business address. If it is a home-based business then the site visit is conducted at the home office. Certification committee volunteers schedule site visits with the female applicant(s). All women owners must be present at the site visit and site visits are required for every applicant.
9. How do I get the WBENC logo?
Log on to WBENCLink using your login and password. There you will find all the required files as well as WBENC's branding guidelines.
10. How do I get more involved with the WPEO?
Attend all of our regional programs and interact with other WBEs and corporate sponsors.
