New Member Certification - More Information
As you begin the WBE certification application, here are a few links to helpful information regarding the certification process:
WBENC Standards and Procedures
To qualify as a WBE, a business must demonstrate that the company is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a woman or women:
- the female's majority ownership and unilateral control must be clearly stated in the company's ownership and governing documents
- the female owner's experience and expertise must be integral to the company's viability and evidenced in her resume
- she must hold the highest officer position in the company as defined by the company's governing documents
- she must be actively involved in the daily operation and management of the company
Please thoroughly review your governing documents (Bylaws, Partnership Agreement, or Operating Agreement) prior to submitting them, since once the documents are received they cannot be revised and reconsidered. The determination of WBE certification eligibility requires an in-depth review of your company's legal and financial documents and a site visit by a WBCS Certification Committee representative. For detailed information on the criteria for certification, we recommend you review WBENC’s Standards and Procedures.
The next step in the certification process is to gather the documentation required and then complete your online profile in wbenclink.org.
Upon registering in WBENCLink, you will have 90 days to complete and submit your online application. If your online application is not submitted within 90 days, it will automatically purge from WBENCLink. Please complete your profile carefully, as the national database will be accessed by WBENC’s Corporate Members for searching potential suppliers and service providers. It is very important that the NAICS codes selected in your profile accurately reflect your primary business services. You can view the full definition of all NAICS codes in a searchable .pdf format on the U.S. Census Bureau web site. These codes will be verified by the Certification Review Committee relative to your business description and the primary NAICS code should be listed on future federal tax returns as your company’s business activity code.
Incomplete documentation will delay the application process, which is usually completed 60-90 days following the receipt of your application. To avoid delaying your application, please be sure to account for each item on the required documents list. If a document is not applicable, please note N/A. If a document is not available, please provide a brief explanation for its absence. Your application packet will not be processed for certification review until all documents on the list are accounted for.
After your online application is completed, you will be asked to submit the non-refundable application fee and then submit your application. The annual fee for certification is based on the applicant’s gross revenue:
- Revenue < $1M $350
- Revenue $1M to $5M $500
- Revenue $5M to $10M $750
- Revenue $10M < $50M $1,000
- Revenue $50M+ $1,250
Once your application packet is received by WBCS, you will begin receiving email updates from WBENCLink.org regarding the status of your application. All files received prior to the 1st of the month will be considered at the next Certification Review Committee meeting, which is held on the second Wednesday of each month. Incomplete documentation will delay the application process, which is usually completed 60-90 days following the receipt of your completed application.
WBENC certification administered through the WBCS is accepted by major corporations and numerous public agencies. Once certified, your membership with WBCS provides many benefits including your company’s listing in the national database of certified WBEs through WBENC, as well as invitations to various WBCS-sponsored events and opportunities throughout the year to network with our Council’s Corporate Members and other WBEs.
As an additional benefit of WBCS membership, eligible businesses are screened and submitted for the State of Texas’ HUB certification, the SBA’s WOSB federal contracting program, and DFW Airport’s SBE certification. If you choose to also apply for WOSB certification, please complete and submit the WOSB Application within your WBENCLink online profile. Your company’s IRS Form 941 for the most recent four quarters and a printed copy of your entity overview confirming that your account has been registered and activated with Sam.gov, System for Award Management, should be included in your uploaded documents. SAM registration is free and the entity overview of your SAM account must include an active status and expiration date.
If you have any questions regarding the application or documentation, please contact us at 817-299-0566. We look forward to receiving your application and your membership in the Women’s Business Council - Southwest.
Looking for information on recertification? Click here.