Get Certified


"Our WBE certification helped us to be chosen as one of the diversity tier vendors on a RFP put out by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. That relationship has since continued and grown, and BCBS is now one of our largest clients." Rona Borre, Instant Technology

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Overview

What is WBENC?

The Women’s Business Entrepreneurial National Council (WBENC) Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification for women-owned businesses through the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the nation. Accepted by thousands of corporations within the country and a number of federal and government agencies, your WBE certification will be an important marketing tool for expanding your company's visibility among decision makers in corporate supply chain diversity and procurement.

What is a WBE?
 
WBE (Women's Business Enterprise) is an independent business concern that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or Legal Resident Aliens; whose business formation and principal place of business are in the US or its territories; and whose management and daily operation is controlled by one or more of the women owners.

Benefits of WBE Certification
NEW UPS services offered to certified WBEs.
Upon certification you will receive an email detailing how to sign-up for these money-saving discounts!
  • Shipping Services – savings up to 26% on Air and International shipments
  •  The UPS Store – 10% off select office supplies and business services
  •   Healthcare Coverage – numerous insurance company options and employee benefit plans designed to help control the total cost of insurance premiums
Contact wbdc@wbdc.org with questions regarding this benefit
 
  • Your status as a WBE can be used as a marketing tool to source contracts with major corporations and government agencies.
  • Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certification by the WBDC and WBENC is accepted by:
             *Over 500 national corporations 
             *Chicago Park District
             *Chicago State University
             *City Colleges of Chicago
             *City of Evanston
             *Illinois Capital Development Board
             *Illinois Institute of Technology
             *State of Illinois Central Management Services Business Enterprise Program 
             *Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority
             *Village of Oak Park
  • Listing in local and national databases of certified WBEs. These databases are accessible to national corporations and government agencies.
  • Access to a directory of corporations accepting your certification.
  • Use of the WBE logo for letterhead and other marketing materials.
  • Access to WBENC listserves.
  • Opportunities to participate in networking events with other WBEs and corporate and government buyers.
  • Discounted privileges at the annual Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference & Women’s Business & Buyers Mart.