In 2006, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted a woman-owned business bill that requires the Department of Administration “to develop, maintain, and keep a computer database of businesses in the state that are owned by women." According to the Act, firms wishing to participate in the program must be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
One of the many benefits of being certified is being listed in the State’s Certified Business Database. This directory provides firms with a broader business reach to corporate buyers, prime contractors and agencies of local, state and federal governments beyond the borders of Wisconsin. Currently there are no diverse spend goals or permissive bid allowances for WBEs.
Businesses, who are certified as WBE, are at least 51% owned, controlled, and actively managed by a woman or women and serve a useful business function. The WBE Certification Program is governed by § 16.285, Wis. Stats. and Admin. Code 83.
There is a $150 fee for new WBE Certification Applications.