The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), a co-founder of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), provides national certification and procurement services for female owned businesses throughout the Midwest. The WBDC partners with Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP, and Metropolitan State University's College of Management to offer Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification to companies located in the state of Minnesota. The WBDC�s WBE certification process verifies that a business is at least 51% independently owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women.
Why to Get Certified:
WBE Certification can be a very valuable marketing tool for companies looking to do business with large corporations. It is sought after by large corporations because it is the only nationally recognized certification for women in the country.
How To Apply:
Prospective WBEs can apply for certification through WBENC�s interactive web based application. By filling out your application on-line, you will benefit from immediate exposure of your business on the WBENC Internet database. Your application will be flagged as �certification pending� until the process has been completed. Apply online at:
Complete instructions for using the on-line application appear on the web site. The following are some tips to keep in mind:
- Before you apply for WBE certification, take the time to read the complete eligibility criteria. Because the certification process is very time intensive, it will benefit you to be sure your company qualifies for certification prior to submitting an application. You can review the criteria online at www.wbenc.org/certification/standards
- When you apply be sure to keep a copy of your Login ID and Password so that you can return to your file as many times as necessary to complete the application.
- Remember that submitting the online application is only the first step in the certification process. Your application will not be considered active until we have received your back-up documentation and your certification fee of $350. The certification process typically takes about 90 days from the date we receive your completed application, all required back-up documentation, and the certification fee.
Download: Application checklist (pdf)
Please note: Applications are processed through Chicago. Site visits and support seminars are conducted locally.
If you have questions about the WBE certification process call Kristin Johnson at 612-781-0455 or kdoherty@wbdc.org.
Benefits of Certification:
WBE certification from the WBDC provides your business with a nationally recognized WBE certification that is accepted by over 700 major corporations throughout the country.
OTHER BENEFITS YOUR COMPANY WILL RECEIVE:
- Listing in local and national databases of certified WBEs that are accessible to national corporations
- Access to a directory of all corporations accepting certification including a contact name and address
- Use of the WBE logo and copy for letterhead and other marketing materials
- Exclusive invitations to participate in local MatchMaker sessions and Corporate Connexions events with corporate sponsors facilitated by the Women's Business Development Center-Minnesota (WBDC-MN)
- Opportunities to participate in networking events with other WBEs and corporate and government buyers hosted by the WBDC-MN
- Discounted attendance and exhibitor privileges at the WBDC's Annual Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference & Women's Business and Buyers Mart - the WBDC's vendor development event.
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