Buying Women Owned: Why Certification Matters

When you #BuyWomenOwned, Certification matters!

Our mission is pretty clear: build a movement of support for Women Owned businesses.

But what’s not so clear? Finding out exactly which businesses and products are in fact owned by women. That’s where certification comes in!

To become a certified Women Owned business by WBENC in the U.S. and WEConnect International, businesses must undergo a thorough certification process, verifying that the business is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. This ensures that these businesses are indeed being led by women owners, with at least 51% majority in ownership and investment.

While there are many wonderful women-owned businesses that are not certified but would likely qualify (to whom we say: join us!), unfortunately there are also businesses that present themselves as women-owned for marketing purposes or to win contracts, but are in fact owned and controlled by male investors and/or owners.

That’s why more than 1,000 corporations and many state, cities and government entities rely on WBENC certification. And it’s why you should to. Because when you buy a product with the Women Owned Logo on its packaging, you can feel certain that the money you are spending is directly supporting a certified Women Owned business.

An added bonus? Businesses certified by WBENC also have access to a plethora of opportunities and resources to grow their business as we work to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs. By supporting certified Women Owned businesses, you are helping those businesses invest in their future growth and success.

Let’s keep this movement going.

Shop the Logo: Look for the Women Owned Logo while shopping in stores or online.
Have a favorite women-owned product or business but not sure if they are certified? Ask! Send them this link (https://buywomenowned.com/about-us/certification/) and make sure they’re aware of the benefits of certification.
Spread the word: Join our campaign for National Women’s Small Business Month as we urge the public to #BuyWomenOwned

LEARN MORE

About WBENC

WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) to provide its world-class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. WBENC is also the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Throughout the year, WBENC provides business development opportunities for member corporations, government agencies and more than 15,000 certified women-owned businesses at events and other forums. Learn more.

About Women Owned

Women Owned is an initiative from WBENC and WEConnect International to create a movement of support for Women Owned businesses. We support female entrepreneurs and those who do business with them by raising awareness for why, where and how to buy Women Owned. Learn more.

All data regarding the number of women-owned businesses can be found in the 2019 American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report.