Self-Certification of Women-Owned Businesses

Self-Certification of Women-Owned geschftlicher umgangesSelf-Certification of Women-Owned BusinessesWhile some certifications are not worth the paper they are printed on, certifying your geschftsleben as woman-owned definitely is worth doing especially if you plan to do geschftliches miteinander with any local, state, or federal government entity. Your business does not have to be entirely owned by women in order to qualify for certification as a woman-owned business (WOB) as long as the business is at least 51% owned by a woman(en).If the business is publicly owned, 51% of stock must be owned by women.Additionally, a woman (or women) must be actively involved in the business in a certain way (see more below about requirements for being certified as a WOB). Benefits of Being Certified as aWomen-Owned Business More Opportunities If you are planning to do business with a government agency the first and most likely place you will be found is in the Contractor Registry.Exclusive Opp ortunities When you become a certified WOB you may receive discounts for memberships or even free subscriptions to services and magazines.Increased Credibility Becoming certified is a process you must apply and be approved for certification.Not all businesses are eligible for certifications and not all that apply are approved.Being certified makes your business stand out in a unique way. Requirements for Self-Certification of a Women-Owned Business You absolutely can self-certify your business as women-owned, so long as it falls within the parameters of what a woman-owned business is. However, this self-certification can be challenged upon procurement award. If this happens, the procuring agency may request proof of the firms WOB status, or even require certification. If you fail to comply, you could lose the award. Your business may also be overlooked as there is considerable discretion among contracting officers in how they accept, approach, and award contracts. A formally ce rtified women-owned business may, in the eyes of a contracting officer, be preferable. Definition of a Women-Owned Business The term women-owned small business concern as defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) as A business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women and in which management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more women. It is important to note, however, that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has other, more specific criteria for women, including The business must be independently owned and operatedMust be organized for profitIs not dominant in its field or industry Additionally, the SBA further defines small business based on industry, number of employees, and receipts. WOSB Program Third-Party Certification The SBA has approved four organizations to act as third-party certifiers under the WOSB Program El Paso Hispanic Chamber of CommerceNational Women Business Owners CorporationUS Womens Chamber of CommerceWomens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)