Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification Service
Liberty 8a aims to assist woman-owned businesses get the assistance they need by becoming a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certified Business. We offer a comprehensive package for businesses looking for guidance through the whole process.
PRICES VARY BY STATE*
The certification process with LIBERTY8a can be broken down into 3 steps. ASSESS for eligibility, REVIEW and prepare for a seamless application and APPLY by submitting your documents for verification.
ASSESS
We will conduct an initial interview and consultation to ensure that your business qualifies and the application will be successful. Interviews are extensive; they can be over 50 questions and take over an hour to ensure this direction is right for your business.
Each client is given a document checklist with all the enclosures necessary for application.
Each client is assigned a lead point of contact that is an analyst who will advise you on every part of your application. Your analyst aims to answer any and all questions and be your guide throughout the process. Work on your package will begin as soon as they are assigned to your firm.
REVIEW
Your assigned analyst will review all submitted documentation and make an air tight ‘game plan’ for application. We aim to review each application with the same level of scrutiny as state review boards.
Communication will be open through phone and email for any questions or concerns. Our goal is to help get you the assistance that will grow your business, we will communicate with you to make sure that happens.
Extensive interviews will prepare you to tell your story of economic and social disadvantages required for application. This will help you refine one of the most critical parts of the application.
APPLY
Our firm will fill out all portions of the application for you. We will proofread and review each piece and assemble the package into a 3-4 inch binder for you to sign and complete. Once signed by the client, we can then forward the completed application to the state review boards.
Most state review boards take 3-4 months to approve an application.
Get started today! Call (813) 784-0066 to schedule your consultation!
*only $1,000 when combined with 8(a) certification
WBE Fast Facts and Benefits
Why should your business get WBE certified?
-With greater access to government and large corporate partners, more than 70% of businesses confirm an increase in revenue after certification
-Get referrals to local, regional and national member corporations
-Create meaningful connections with corporate buyers
-Access professional workshops and education programs and network with corporate members
-Participate in second-tier WBE business opportunities
– Get as much as 10-25% advantage when bidding on a state or municipality contract in some states.
WBE programs by state:
WBE Membership varies by state. In some cases, states may combine their Minority Business Enterprise and Woman Business Enterprise. This dual program may fall under the name DBE or WMBE program, but is not to be confused with the Department of transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.
Does my business qualify for membership?
While requirements may vary by state program, the general requirements for WBE membership include:
- Applicant must be a woman
- At least 51% of the enterprise must be owned and controlled by a woman.
- Any for-profit business that is independent and works as a primary or subcontractor is eligible
- Franchises are NOT eligible to apply
- Limits may be placed on qualifying owner’s net worth. Refer to state guidelines for specific information.
- Generally it must be a small business. A small business is defined by the SBA by firm revenue (ranging from $1 million to $40 million) and employment (from one to over 1,500 employees).
- On site inspection is required by most states for approval
- In many states, the business only needs to be active to apply. In some cases, the business must be active for 1-2 years before applying.