About WBENC

1. About WBENC Mission • The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is dedicated to advancing the success of certified women’s business enterprises, corporate and government members in partnership with its affiliate women’s business organizations. Who We Are • The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the nation’s leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women • The leading advocate of women’s business enterprises (WBEs) as suppliers to corporate America • A Corporate Membership organization • Recognized as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization by the IRS, WBENC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of corporate representatives, WBEs and representatives of our partner organizations

2. WBENC’s Goal • … is to foster diversity in the world of commerce. Its programs and policies are designed to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace for women business owners. • To this end, WBENC works with representatives of corporations to encourage the utilization and expansion of supplier/vendor diversity programs.

3. Why does WBENC certify? • This service, provided through WBENC’s 14 regional councils, provides assurance that the businesses targeted by Corporate America are those being assisted and receive the benefits • Provides integrity in reporting of Diversity Spend and Percentages for Corporations professing support and inclusion of WBEs in their supplier/vendor pool

4. WBENC Certification Matters

5. What is WBE certification? It is a process by which a third party affirms or validates that an applicant business is 51% or more owned, controlled and managed by a woman or group of women who are US Citizens or Legal Residents.

6. Certification Criteria • Ownership • Contribution of Capital and/or Expertise • U.S. citizen or legal resident status • Control • Governance • Management & Operations • Independence

7. Certification Process • Online Application • Additional Documentation Requirements • Supporting documentation • Sworn Affidavit • Application Fee • Certification Committee Meeting • Initial File Review • Site Visit

8. Global Certification • WBENC partnered with WEConnect International to implement international affiliates that offer certification based on WBENC standards • Now Available: WEConnect – Europe, WEConnect-Canada, WEConnect-China • Coming Soon: WEConnect - India

9. DRAFT The Benefits of Corporate Membership

10. Providing Access • Sourcing capability reaching over 10,000 WBEs through WBENCLink, a passcode-protected, searchable internet database featuring downloadable certificates for each WBE • Participate in WBENC-facilitated MatchMaker meetings to connect buyers and suppliers

11. MatchMaker365 • Provides efficient access to certified WBEs that are qualified and capable. • Automates year-round, outreach management through systematic database search, easy Supplier profile review, and electronic communications and scheduling. • Allows Buyers to choose the Suppliers with whom they want to meet and when. • Schedules virtual meetings with Suppliers, while keeping Buyer contact information private and secure.

12. Encouraging Excellence • Balanced Score Card • Self-scoring tool for corporations • Quantitative and qualitative approach • Benchmarks process and facilitates development

13. Expanding WBE Capacity • The Tuck-WBENC Executive Program is an intense five-day learning experience for Woman Business Owners that teaches them how to develop and implement strategic initiatives to grow small to medium sized enterprises • Dorothy B. Brothers Scholarships

14. Promoting Best Practices • Networking & access to Corporate Members provides companies with the opportunities to learn from peers and industry colleagues with world-class supplier diversity initiatives • WBENC conducts research on corporate best practices in supplier diversity

15. Giving Recognition • Recognition as a supporter of women-owned businesses through participation in national events, and having a presence on WBENC’s website, marketing materials and in press releases • Annual competition for America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises • Award has become highly coveted by Corporate America

16. Summit & Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises Overview • The Summit engages participants in a two-day program filled with trends and forecasts from thought leaders, important knowledge management education, and business networking and development opportunities. • General sessions and panel discussions feature key government representatives and experts from the private sector.

17. WBENC’s Summit & Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises • WBENC’s Annual Salute follows the Summit and highlights the significant contributions of women’s business enterprises (WBEs) to the United States economy and pays tribute to 4 Women’s Business Enterprise Stars chosen by their respective regional partner organizations. • In addition, select corporations that provide WBEs with growth opportunities in today’s competitive marketplace receive top honors at this gala recognition event.

18. Women in Business National Conference & Business Fair Overview • Largest event of its kind for women business owners in the U.S. • Over 2,500 WBEs, senior corporate executives, supplier diversity and procurement professionals, and government representatives in attendance • Three-day program featuring an ambitious agenda that includes networking activities, workshops, general sessions and the Business Fair

19. WIB: National Conference & Business Fair WIB provides: • Unparalleled networking with peers and potential clients • Remarkable sessions on strategic growth and the importance of quality • Professional development opportunities • Onsite Matchmaker Meetings

20. WBENC Corporate Members (partial list of 231)

21. For questions regarding WBENC corporate membership, please contact Kim Jones, kjones@wbenc.org If you have additional questions regarding certification, please contact Candace Waterman, cwaterman@wbenc.org Go to www.wbenc.org to learn more about upcoming events. WBENC Contacts