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IMPORTANT: As of July 1st, 2011, functions once performed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce have been moved to other state agencies and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The former Commerce web site will continue to exist for the next several months as resources are moved to new web site locations. We will make every attempt possible to direct our users to the new locations as web resources are moved.
Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification
The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing woman-owned businesses
with a credible certification that validates their business ownership. The
program was established in order to facilitate contracting capabilities
for women with both the public
and private sector. For purposes of state contracting women are not
considered minorities.
Application
WBE certification requires that the business is at a minimum 51% owned,
managed and controlled by a woman or women applicant(s). An applicant will
be required to provide a copy of business tax returns along with other
proprietary documentation to support their application.
-
Start-up businesses that do not have business tax
documentation that supports their majority ownership of the business
will not be considered eligible for WBE certification.
- You are encouraged to review the Pre-Certification
Assessment to determine whether you meet the eligibility
requirements for WBE certification prior to completing
the application.
How to Apply
- Complete an online
application and upload the required documentation.
Please also refer to the Wisconsin Administrative Code for eligiblity
criteria.
- Must provide access to its business facilities and key personnel for
the
state Certification Consultant's on-site visit.
Out-of-state Applicants must meet the following
administrative code requirements prior to completing the
on-line application.
- An out-of-state firm must have equivalent WBE certification from
an acceptable and recognizable governmental agency, such as state,
county or city in their home state state.
- Proof of home state WBE certification must be provided and submitted
to by e-mail to comBDWBO@wisconsin.gov.
A copy of the letter or official document of WBE certification
from a governmental agency in the state which the applicant is
incorporated or has its principal place of business.
- WBE applicants are required to be performing a useful business
function at the time of application in the State of Wisconsin with
either a Wisconsin governmental state entity or a business located in
the State of Wisconsin. Provide of revenue received from a
Wisconsin governmental state entity or business located in the State of
Wisconsin should be submitted by e-mail to comBDWBO@wisconsin.gov.
Wisconsin Administrative Code
The WBE certification program was created by and is governed by Administrative
Code COMM 104.
Applicants should review the administrative code to have a better
understanding of the department's application of eligibility criteria
in determining ownership, control and daily management.
Contact: For additional information, contact Carol
Dunn, Woman's Business Ombudsman, at 608-267-0297 or Carol.Dunn@wisconsin.gov.
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