NAWBO Checklist

NAWBO Institute Certification Application Documentation Requirements Checklist

In addition to documentation, the application includes a series of questions regarding details of the business and/or woman business owner. This document is a summary of both. Information/documentation is required unless otherwise noted. Please use this list to gather your materials before beginning the application to ensure you have as smooth an application process as possible.

This checklist is designed to help applicants understand not only what documents are required, but why each category matters. The NAWBO Institute Certification verifies women‑owned businesses by confirming ownership, management, control, and financial independence. Providing accurate documentation speeds review time and reduces the likelihood of delays or requests for additional information.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

These documents establish the identity, legitimacy, and ownership structure of the business and its female owner(s).

Documents

• Narrative description of business, its history, ownership changes, lines of business
  (Text entry on the application, not a document upload)
  Why needed: Verifies business background, evolution, and operational focus.
• Franchise or Licensing Agreement (if applicable)
  Why needed: Shows whether a franchisor controls operations or ownership.
• Copy of professional or business license (if applicable)
  Why needed: Confirms legal authorization to operate in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Notarized NAWBO WBE Sworn Affidavit
  Why needed: Legally verifies that the applicant attests to eligibility requirements.
• Female owner(s) evidence of gender – driver’s license, passport, birth certificate (2 forms required)
  Why needed: Confirms the qualifying owner(s) identify as female.
• Female owner(s) evidence of U.S. citizenship or legal residency – passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, green card
  Why needed: Ensures the qualifying owner’s lawful status for certification eligibility.
• Documentation of ownership changes or transfer of assets within last two years (if applicable)
  Why needed: Ensures female ownership has not been recently altered in a way that affects eligibility.
• Professional resume of each owner (not including outside investors)
  Why needed: Confirms that the woman owner(s) actively manage the business.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Agreement (if applicable)
  Why needed: Determines whether employee ownership affects majority female control.

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Financial documentation verifies the business’s economic viability, capital control, and female financial authority.

Company Financial Information

• Company revenue for last three fiscal years
  Why needed: Documents financial stability and business history.
• Primary Banking Institution
• Banking Point of Contact Name
• Point of Contact Phone & Email
  Why needed: Confirms banking relationships and supports verification of ownership over finances.
• Business Loans or Lines of Credit (including credit cards)
  Why needed: Shows who is financially responsible and whether collateral or guarantees affect female control.

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Financial Documents

• Profit and loss statement from last completed fiscal year
  Why needed: Demonstrates business performance.
• Balance sheet from end of last completed fiscal year
  Why needed: Provides a snapshot of assets, liabilities, and owner equity.
• Past two completed years’ Federal tax returns with all schedules
  Why needed: Standard legal proof of business financial activity.
• For sole proprietorships & sole‑member LLCs: personal Federal tax return of owner (redact SSN/dependents as needed) (if applicable)
  Why needed: Verifies business income reported under personal return.
• Real estate leases (if applicable)
  Why needed: Confirms operational control of physical premises.
• All other loan documents (equipment leases, promissory notes, etc.) (if applicable)
  Why needed: Shows financial commitments affecting control.
• Bank signature authorization card or bank letter
  Why needed: Confirms who holds authority over business finances.
• Proof of capital and/or equity investment by female owner(s)
  (e.g., initial deposit records, license purchase receipts)
  Why needed: Demonstrates financial contribution and ownership stake.
• List of all capital assets (real estate, vehicles, equipment, etc.), including current value (if applicable)
  Why needed: Verifies asset ownership and business valuation.

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DOCUMENTS TO BE PROVIDED BY BUSINESS TYPE

Business‑structure specific documents confirm legal formation, ownership rights, and internal governance.

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SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS

• Assumed/Fictitious Name Certificate (if applicable)
• Authority to conduct business in State / Certificate of Good Standing

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CORPORATIONS (C‑Corp & S‑Corp)

• Articles of incorporation and amendments
• Corporate bylaws and amendments
• Copies of all stock certificates, front & back, ever issued
• Statement of Information filed with Secretary of State listing officers, directors, managers, members, or general partners
• Copies of stock assignments separate from certificates (if applicable)
• Stock register or ledger showing shares issued
• Minutes of shareholder and/or directors meetings within last two years
• Shareholder or voting agreements (if applicable)
• Assumed/Fictitious Name Certificate (if applicable)
• Authority to conduct business in State / Certificate of Good Standing

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PARTNERSHIPS

• Assumed/Fictitious Name Certificate (if applicable)
• Authority to conduct business in State / Certificate of Good Standing
• Statement of Information filed with Secretary of State listing officers, directors, managers, members, or general partners

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LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES (LLCs)

• Assumed/Fictitious Name Certificate (if applicable)
• Authority to conduct business in State / Certificate of Good Standing
• Statement of Information filed with Secretary of State listing officers, directors, managers, members, or general partners

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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION (if applicable)

(Text entry only)
Why needed: Verifies who holds managerial control and whether management aligns with majority female decision‑making.

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MANAGEMENT DOCUMENTS TO BE PROVIDED (if applicable)

• Professional resume of each management team member
  Why needed: Establishes qualifications and operational roles.
• Copies of W‑2s and/or 1099s for each management team member
  Why needed: Confirms employment or contractor compensation consistent with leadership responsibility.
• List of all W‑2 employees, with title and salary/labor rate information
  Why needed: Shows organizational structure and reporting hierarchy.
• Copies of consulting agreements for individuals/vendors providing management/operational support
  Why needed: Identifies whether external consultants impact business control.

For more help: How To Complete the NAWBO Application in SupplierGateway