BENEFITS OF BECOMING A CERTIFIED WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS
Enjoy benefits reserved for women entrepreneurs
M&T Bank has resources and support for woman-owned businesses seeking certification.
How being a certified woman-owned business can help your company
The benefits of getting a women-owned business certification include access to federal contracts, an extensive support network, education programs and mentorship opportunities. Large entities like the government and corporations often award contracts specifically to certified women-owned businesses, and those contracts can provide consistent and significant income. Many women entrepreneurs also find it very beneficial to have a community of women business owners to rely on for advice, guidance and referrals.
Benefits of WBE certification and WOSB certification
While there are numerous organizations that certify women-owned businesses, two of the largest are the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
If your business is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women, you can become Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certified by the WBENC. Certification allows access to an extensive network of support, education programs, mentorship opportunities and increased visibility in corporate and government supply chains.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) aims to award at least 5 percent of federal contracting dollars each year to women-owned small businesses (WOSB). To gain access to those contracts, your business must be WOSB registered and certified, meaning it qualifies as a small business according to the SBA standards, is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens and has a woman managing day-to-day operations.
M&T has resources to help your business become WBE and WOSB certified.
Let our experience helping women entrepreneurs pay off for you. Schedule an appointment with your local M&T branch.
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Multicultural-Owned Entrepreneurs
Our resources can help you make sure you get the support and financial products that are right for your business. Learn more about minority-owned business entrepreneurs.
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M&T’s Business Banking Specialists are ready to offer you support at any stage of your business. Get to know the advantages of being an M&T Business Banking client.