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WBENC · CLIENT INTAKE TOOL

WBENC application readiness list

A readiness list your client can work through before applying for WBENC certification, so the documents are in hand when you sit down together.

7 document types · Administered by WBENC · Rules last verified Jul 2026
Articles of organization / incorporation

The state filing that created your company, with all amendments. Programs check the formation date, the state of formation, and that the entity named matches everything else in your package.

How to get it: Your state's Secretary of State business portal (certified copies are usually a small fee).

Needed for: At least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women · The qualifying woman owner(s) must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Operating agreement (LLC), all amendments

The signed agreement governing how your LLC is owned and run. Reviewers read it closely for ownership percentages and for any provision that limits the qualifying owner's control (supermajority votes, manager powers, transfer restrictions).

Needed for: At least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women · The woman owner(s) must have unrestricted control of the business, manage day-to-day operations, and make a proportionate investment of capital or expertise
Stock ledger and share certificates

The record of who owns how many shares, with copies of issued certificates (front and back). This is the primary ownership evidence for a corporation.

Needed for: At least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women
Resume of each qualifying owner

A current resume showing the qualifying owner's experience and role. Reviewers use it to assess whether that owner actually manages the business's daily operations and has the background to do so.

Needed for: At least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women · The woman owner(s) must have unrestricted control of the business, manage day-to-day operations, and make a proportionate investment of capital or expertise
Corporate bylaws, all amendments

The rules governing how your corporation is run. Reviewed for board composition, officer powers, and anything that limits the qualifying owner's control.

Needed for: The woman owner(s) must have unrestricted control of the business, manage day-to-day operations, and make a proportionate investment of capital or expertise
Personal financial statement (each qualifying owner)

A statement of each qualifying owner's personal assets, liabilities, and net worth. Programs with an economic-disadvantage test use it directly; others use it to corroborate capitalization answers.

Needed for: Provide proof of capital or equity investment by the female owner(s) · Provide business tax returns and financial statements
Business federal tax returns, last 3 years

Complete copies of your business's filed federal income tax returns for the last three years, including all schedules and attachments. Programs use them to verify revenue, size standards, and that the business is real and operating.

How to get it: From your tax preparer, your tax software, or an IRS transcript request (Form 4506-T).

Needed for: Provide business tax returns and financial statements
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WOSB client intake checklistVetCert document trackerNMSDC certification checklistFull WBENC certification (women-owned, private sector) requirements

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