FAQs

What is the difference between Astra and WBENC?
WBENC is a nationally recognized organization and the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by professional women in the United States. WBENC partners with regional organizations to certify women-owned businesses in different parts of the country, and Astra is their Northwest and Northern California partner. Astra is the only provider of WBENC certification in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. In addition, Astra provides networking and matchmaking events, training and educational resources to its regional members.
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Who can be WBENC certified?
You can determine if you qualify to be certified by answering a few simple questions:

• Is at least 51 percent of your business independently owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or Legal Resident Aliens?
• Was your business formed and is its principal place of business currently located in the US or one of its territories?
• Is the management and daily operation of your business controlled by one or more of the women owners?

If you answered yes to these questions, your business is eligible for WBENC certification.
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What types of companies usually become certified?
Certified companies span all sizes and industries, and many are in a growth stage and are actively seeking new clients. While the average Astra member has annual sales of approximately $7 million, our members include sole proprietors, multimillion dollar companies and all sizes in between.
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Are there particular industries that benefit more from certification than others?
Astra members come from a broad spectrum of diverse industries, but as a general rule, the companies who benefit the most from certification provide wholesale products or services to other businesses. Our current members include staffing agencies, marketing consultancies, construction and engineering companies, just to name a few. Astra is also exploring ways we can help our members within the same industries explore more opportunities to network and band together to pursue larger corporate contracts. Stay tuned!
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How big does my company need to be?
Your company can be any size! Certified women-owned businesses range from sole proprietors to companies with hundreds of employees and millions in annual revenues. Because corporations and agencies look for capacity and experience in choosing their suppliers, there is also a growing opportunity for our Astra businesses to form strategic alliances with other businesses so that they can effectively compete with larger companies and demonstrate more diverse experience.
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How long do I need to have been in business to become certified?
There is no length of time that you must be in business before you can apply for certification. However, we recommend that you be in business for at least two to three years in order to demonstrate your ability to manage and deliver on your contracts.
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I’m a sole proprietor. Can I become WBENC-certified?
Absolutely. All women-owned businesses, from small to large, are invited to apply for certification.
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I run a home-based business. Can I become WBENC-certified?
Yes! Astra has helped many women-owned, home-based businesses get certified, some of them multi-million dollar companies. All women-owned businesses, from small to large, are invited to apply for certification.
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What are the benefits of WBENC certification?
Obtaining the most nationally recognized certification available for women-owned businesses has loads of advantages. For starters, you’ll:

• Have access to supplier diversity and procurement executives at some of the largest companies in the U.S.
• Get to meet and mingle with other women business owners around the country
• Be in the know about new sourcing opportunities at prestigious companies around the country

See Certification Benefits for a full list of opportunities that come with WBENC certification.
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In addition to WBENC certification, what are the benefits of being an Astra member?
Certification is only the tip of the iceberg. Becoming a member of Astra gives you access to tons of training, resources, networking events and opportunities to rub shoulders with corporate supplier diversity professionals from some of the most prestigious companies in the world. Check out all the benefits of being an Astra member here.
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How much does certification cost?
Between $350 and $1,000, depending on the annual revenues of your company. See the fee schedule for more information.
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Is the fee reimbursed if I am not certified?
No, it is a non-refundable processing fee.
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Why do I have to supply my company's financial information?
Financial documents are the best evidence for who owns and controls the company. Please note that the certification process does not evaluate the company's profitability or financial viability.
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Can a woman and a man own the company jointly?
Yes, but the woman must have at least 51 percent ownership and show that her management and control of the company, her contribution of capital and/or expertise, and her assumption of all profits and risks are what would be expected for a majority owner. A woman must also hold the company’s highest office.
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What is the difference between WBENC certification and my state's certification?
In most cases, state certification is only good for doing business with your state's government agencies. WBENC certification through ASTRA is national in scope and one of the most widely accepted certification for women-owned businesses.
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I’m certified. Now what?
Congratulations! There’s no better time than right now to begin taking advantage of all the benefits of certification. A great place to start is by perusing this website to learn all the ways your certification can benefit you and how you can join in the effort to bring more attention to women-owned businesses. Make sure you check out our upcoming events – showing up and meeting supplier diversity professionals and other women business owners is one of the best ways to take advantage of your certification. You can also peruse our resources section to read articles and other information to help you grow and expand your business. Not sure how to start? Contact us.
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More questions? Visit the national WBENC site for more FAQs.
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