The document provides information about certification as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE). It outlines the benefits of certification, such as increased marketing opportunities and access to corporate and government contracts. However, it also notes certification does not guarantee contracts. It describes the criteria for certification, including at least 51% women ownership and control. The document recommends certification for businesses that sell to large corporations and governments and have the capacity for large contracts. It provides resources for more information on certification and business training and financing assistance.

1. International Women’s
Day Entrepreneurial
Workshop

2. About WBDC
Our Mission
The mission of the Women’s
Business Development Center is
to support and accelerate
business development and
growth, targeting women and
serving all diverse business
owners, in order to strengthen
their participation in, and
impact on, the economy.
• Started in 1986
• Economic Empowerment of Women
• Serve 9 State Region
• Programs

3. Services
Access to Capital:
Financial Education
Direct Lending
Debt & Equity Placement
Access to Information:
Business Advising
Entrepreneurial Training
Access to Contracts:
WBE Certification
Corporate & Government
Contracting
Access to Contacts:
Supplier Panels
Connect & Celebrate
Expo
Networking Events
Referrals

4. 4
1 2 3 4 5
How do you feel?

5. Figure Out Your
Why
Write a Plan
Executive
Summary
Product/Service
Marketing Plan
Operations
Financial Plan
Operations
Processes and
Procedures
Location
Equipment
Labor
What problem are
you solving?
What issue are
you dealing with?
Do Your Market
Research
Who
What
Where
When
Why
Build
Name
Legal Structure
Choose Legal
Structure
Licenses
Registrations
Insurance
Starting a Business

6. Access to
Contracts
Certification
Women Business Enterprise
Minority Business Enterprise
JL1

7. Slide 6
JL1 Janice Lopez, 3/6/2018

8. Is Certification Right For You?
 Is your product/service targeted at corporations, retail and/or
government agencies?
-Do you have a product or service that they buy?
 Does your business have the capacity to deliver quality service/products
on large contracts?
 Are you willing to share the details of your business including capital
investment, tax returns and compensation records?
 Are you clear that WBE certification is a marketing tool and DOES NOT
guarantee or entitle your company will receive contracts?

9. Benefits
 Marketing tool to access diversity buyers in over 300 major
corporations & governments (including Federal)
 Database where WBENC/WBDC corporate partners can find your
business
 Networking opportunities with other WBE’s
 Matchmaking and other events with targeted buyers

10. Who should not apply for
certification?
 If you aren’t 51% or more owned, operated & controlled by
a woman or women
 If you don’t sell to the corporate or government
marketplace (such as a restaurant or small retail store)
 If you are too small and/or young to be a competitive
supplier for very large entities

11. Certification Criteria
51% ownership
Managerial Control
Legal Control
Contribution of capital
Independence
U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Resident Alien Status

12. For more information on certification:
 Visit your local Procurement Technical
Assistance Center (PTAC)
 WBE Certification www.wbdc.org
 MBE Certification www.chicagomsdc.org

13. Resources
 U.S. Small Business Administration www.sba.gov
 Training: WBDC, SBDC, SCORE www.wbdc.org
 Financing: WBDC, CNI, ACCION

14. Janice Lopez, WBC Director
8 South Michigan Avenue, Ste.400
(312) 853-3477
jlopez@wbdc.org
www.wbdc.org
WBDC
THANK YOU!