WBENC Certification Highlight
As we soak up the warmth of summer, we're still buzzing with excitement over our new website rollout! Alongside this fresh digital experience, we're proud to shine a spotlight on a key aspect of our business: our WBENC certification. Having been certified for the past six years, this prestigious recognition from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council symbolizes our unwavering commitment to excellence, diversity, and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
Founded in 1997, WBENC is defined as a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping women-owned businesses thrive. It was started to develop a nationwide standard for women-owned business certification and their mission is to fuel economic growth globally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses. (All information taken directly from the About Us page on the WBENC website.)
Being WBENC certified can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and growth, and offers many advantages for businesses such as:
Access to diversity and procurement executives and corporations
New business opportunities
Business tools and resources, including educational programs, mentorships, and content/resources for all industries and stages of entrepreneurship
Eligibility for awards and recognition
Marketing tools to expand visibility
A community of support from other female business owners and like-minded professionals
Joining WBENC isn't as simple as just signing up though; it requires undergoing a rigorous certification process. First, a detailed application must be submitted, providing comprehensive documentation that verifies the business is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. This is followed by a thorough review and site visit by a regional partner organization to ensure all criteria are met. The process is designed to uphold the highest standards of integrity and authenticity, ensuring that only genuinely women-owned businesses receive the certification. Finally, once your application has been approved, you’ll be WBENC certified and have access to all the benefits that WBENC offers.
Springbach’s personal experience with WBENC has been invaluable. We have been able to gain insights through webinars, in-person events, and networking events where we have met other small, women-owned business owners facing the same challenges as us. Through the resources that WBENC has offered, we’ve been able to understand our audience better and increase our reach.
As we continue to grow and thrive, we invite you to explore our new website and learn more about the incredible opportunities WBENC certification brings. Join us on this exciting journey as we champion excellence, diversity, and the success of women-owned businesses, and be sure to check out WBENC at their website!