I just received my certification as a women-owned business and a woman-owned small business by WBENC!
“WBENC Certification is the most widely recognized and respected national certification for women-owned businesses in the U.S.
Through certification, women-owned businesses gain access to a vast network of support, including targeted business opportunities for certified women-owned firms, increased visibility in corporate and government supply chains, education and development programs to spur growth and increase capacity, and networking and mentorship opportunities with thousands of women entrepreneurs and those who support them.
WBENC is also an approved third-party certifier for the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.”
Benefits of certification for women-owned businesses includes:
Access to supplier diversity and procurement executives at hundreds of major U.S. corporations and federal, state, and local government entities that accept WBENC Certification.
Formal and informal opportunities to pursue business with Corporate and Government Members, as well as with other WBENC-Certified WBEs.
Access to networking events, procurement opportunities, mentoring, executive education, capacity development programs, and other business tools and resources.
Eligibility for regional and national recognition and awards.
Use of Women Owned Logo and Women’s Business Enterprise Seal as a marketing tool to promote your business and expand your company’s visibility.
Community of support from other female business owners and like-minded professionals all dedicated to the growth and success of women-owned businesses.
To become certified I went through a vetting process, including review of business documentation and a site visit.
I’m not sure what the next step or what opportunities lay ahead for a photographer that is WBEC certified but I am excited to be recognized as a women owned business and encourage others to look into certification if you think it will help your business’ visibility!
The federal government's goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year and I hope to be one of them in the future.
Source: https://www.wbenc.org/