Women-Owned Business Certification

All entrepreneurs look for a way to share what is special about the way they do business. Women-owned businesses can market their status as a Certified Women-Owned Business to reach new audiences, gain recognition, find new opportunities, and take their business to the next level. North Dakota Women’s Business Center is an organization that examines and qualifies at the state level.

What is Women-Owned Business Certification?

Opportunitites | Visibility + Credibility | Connections

Who Qualifies for Women-Owned Business Certification?

Any women-owned business can apply for the state certification if the company meets the majority ownership criteria, controls the business, and conducts business in the state of North Dakota. Majority ownership means at least 51% of the business is owned by a woman or women. This is established through the legal paperwork associated with the business as well as the concept of control of the business. A woman has control of the business if she is the final decision maker for all aspects of the business - financial, production, contracting, etc. - or she has delegated that authority to an employee manager or another partial owner. Other key aspects we look for when determining who the majority owner is includes who holds the highest title and who receives the largest paycheck from the business. 

Why Certify your WOB?

Women-business owners say that WOB Certification is important to them because it adds credibility to their company, as well as being part of their business development strategy. In addition to NDWBC’s 5 Reasons To Certify Your Woman-Owned Business, benefits of certifying include:

• Directory Listing on NDWBC website;

• Official ND Women-Owned Business Certificate to display at your business;

• Official ND Women-Owned Business logo for use on your website, social media pages, and printed marketing materials; Visibility for consideration of government procurement and other contracting opportunities;

• Training and networking opportunities with other certified businesses and the opportunity to tell your business story - your annual social media spotlight here;

• Opportunities for discounts to NDWBC programming and events;

• Access to the NDWBC newsletters and updates, tools, and resources;

• Opportunity to contribute to the Annual Women In Business Survey;

• Opportunity for an award recommendation letter written on your behalf.

How Do I Certify My Women-Owned Business?

The application requirements include detailed information supplied by the business owner and one letter of support. All applicants must provide a letter of support* from a business reference (examples may include but are not limited to a banker, lawyer, accountant, etc.) This letter of support is intended to verify your business is at least 51% women-owned and must include the following information from your business reference:

1. Business references relationship to the applicant

2. Confirmation of at least 51% women-owned

3. Confirmation of applicant’s involvement of the businesses day-to-day operations

Once the application and supporting documentation are received, it is reviewed for approval. There is a non-refundable $225 application fee required at the time of application. After submitting your application, you will be directed to pay the application fee via our online payment portal. Payment is required before your application can be processed.

The certificate is only valid for one year. You will be required to renew your certificate annually to continue to receive WOB benefits. There is a non-refundable $225 application renewal fee that will need to be paid before your renewal application is processed.

If you are interested in applying, click the button below. Certification typically takes 3-4 weeks. If you have any questions, please call 701-223-0707 or email ndwob@ctbnd.com.

*Click here to view a handout with some examples of a letter of support.