In today’s business landscape, there’s growing recognition for companies that champion diversity and inclusion. One important aspect of this shift is the rise of women-owned agencies—businesses that are not only led by women but also majority-owned and operated by them.
But what does women-owned really mean? Is it enough to have a female CEO, or are there specific requirements to meet? And why are more organizations and clients seeking out partnerships with such companies?
In this article, we unpack what it takes to become a certified women-owned business, what the process looks like, and why it matters—especially in the UX industry.
What Is a Women-Owned Agency?
To officially qualify as a women-owned business, a company must be at least 51% owned by one or more women, and those women must also be actively involved in managing day-to-day operations and controlling strategic decision-making.
This distinction goes beyond job titles. It's not enough for a woman to serve as the face of the company or even as its CEO—if she doesn’t have ownership and executive control, the business doesn’t meet the women-owned standard. That’s why it’s crucial to differentiate between “female-led” and “women-owned”—only the latter comes with verified ownership and authority.
What Are the Requirements for Women-Owned Certification?
Becoming a certified women-owned business requires transparency and documentation. While the process varies slightly between certifying bodies, the core criteria remain consistent:
- Ownership: At least 51% of the company must be owned by one or more women.
- Management & Control: Women must manage daily operations and hold the highest-level decision-making authority.
- Documentation & Verification: Applicants must submit legal and financial documents (e.g., incorporation papers, tax returns, operating agreements) to demonstrate both ownership and control.
Certification can be obtained through several recognized organizations, including:
- WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) – the largest certifier in the U.S.
- WEConnect International – offering global certification, including in Europe.
Although Poland does not currently have a national certification body, Polish businesses can still apply for global recognition through international institutions.
The process typically takes a few weeks to several months, and costs vary depending on the size of the company. For example, WBENC charges between $350 and $1,250 annually.
Why Does It Matter? Benefits of Becoming Women-Owned
Gaining women-owned status is more than a badge—it can open doors to new business opportunities and networks. Certified agencies benefit from:
- Access to supplier diversity programs and exclusive RFPs from large corporations and government bodies that prioritize DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
- Eligibility for grants, mentoring, and partnership networks specifically created to support women in business.
- Positive brand reputation among clients who actively seek value-aligned partners.
In the U.S., women-owned businesses generate over $1.9 trillion in annual revenue. Between 2014 and 2019, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 21%—a significantly higher rate than the national average.
UX GIRL and the Power of Female Leadership in UX
At UX GIRL, we fully meet the definition of a women-owned agency. Founded and led by women, we not only hold majority ownership but actively lead strategy, operations, and growth.
Our female leadership influences how we approach user experience—through a lens of empathy, inclusion, and collaborative communication. This translates into real-world impact:
- deeper engagement with user research,
- cultural and accessibility awareness in design,
- intentional communication with clients and stakeholders,
- and high attention to detail across all touchpoints.
Being women-owned at UX GIRL isn’t just a status—it’s core to our identity, values, and how we create meaningful digital experiences.
How to Get Started
If you're a female founder or executive thinking about pursuing women-owned certification, here are a few first steps:
- Review your company’s ownership structure—do women own at least 51%?
- Evaluate decision-making authority—do women manage and control the business?
- Gather documentation to prove ownership, leadership, and operations.
- Choose the right certification body and prepare for a detailed application and possible audit.
Becoming a certified women-owned business can enhance visibility, unlock procurement opportunities, and position your agency as a values-driven partner. For women in UX, tech, and creative industries, it's also a powerful way to shape more inclusive business ecosystems.
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