WBENC certified WBEs use their certification credentials to gain access to WBENC Corporate Members, as well as a number of federal, state, and local government agencies. In addition, WBENC certified WBEs also gain access to over 10,000 other WBENC certified WBEs in order to purchase products or services and partner on joint venture opportunities.
http://www.wbenc.org/certification-faqs/
A state certification, in most cases, is only good for doing business with that state’s government agencies. WBENC certification is primarily for companies that are targeting major corporations; however, WBENC certification is also recognized by some federal and local governments.
(http://www.wbenc.org/certification-faqs/)
Small Business Enterprise
The Small Business Act defines a small business as an entity that is organized for profit; has a place of business in the U.S.; operates primarily within the U.S. or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor; is independently owned and operated; and is not dominant in its field on a national basis.
The business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or any other legal form. In determining what constitutes a small business, the definition will vary to reflect industry differences.
http://www.sba.gov/content/table-small-business-size-standards
Woman Business Enterprise
A business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one or more women, or, the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women
Woman-Owned Small Business
A small business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one or more women, or, the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.
An Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is one that has received Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification. The ACDBE program was originally enacted in 1987 and most recently amended in 2012.
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/acr/bus_ent_program/
The Small Business Administration was established in 1953 to provide financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their businesses. It also plays a major role in the government’s disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations. It also is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC works to foster diversity in the world of commerce with programs and policies designed to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace for women business owners. WBENC works with representatives of corporations to encourage the utilization and expansion of supplier/vendor diversity programs.