Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Approved as 3rd Party Certifier of SBA's Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) has announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved WBENC as a Third Party Certifier for Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification as part of the SBA's WOSB Federal Contracting Program.

"This is an historical moment as WBENC advances its mission of leveling the playing field for Women's Business Enterprises not only in the private sector, but now in the public sector," said WBENC President and CEO Pamela Prince-Eason. "We are pleased that the SBA, like our current corporate partners, recognizes the value and credibility of third-party certification."

WBENC is the leading advocate for and authority on women's business enterprises (WBEs) for the nation's corporations.  Its certification of businesses that are 51 percent owned, operated and managed by women, is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations representing America's most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities. Now it will also provide its world-class certification of WOSBs to government agencies.

The SBA's WOSB Federal Contract Program will provide greater access to federal contracting opportunities for WOSBs and economically-disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). The Program allows contracting officers, for the first time, to set aside specific contracts for certified WOSBs and EDWOSBs and will help federal agencies achieve the existing statutory goal of five percent of federal contracting dollars being awarded to WOSBs.

"Through the approval of third-party certification, the SBA has taken an important step in enabling women's businesses to effectively compete and win contracts with the government," said Prince-Eason.  "We believe that this will lead to women's business growth and a positive impact on our economy."

As a new third-party certifier of the SBA's WOSB Federal Contract Program, WBENC introduces a Women Owned Small Business Government Certification (WOSBGC) Program.  For more information on WBENC's WOSB Government Certification Program, visit www.wbenc.org or contact Candace Waterman, Sr. Director, Compliance and Alliance Relationships, at [email protected].

About WBENC: Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation's leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women.  WBENC and its 14 Regional Partner Organizations provide opportunities for interactions more than 650 member corporations, government agencies and 10,700 WBENC-certified WBEs. WBENC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  www.wbenc.org.

SOURCE Women's Business Enterprise National Council

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED