I think that are some people that may gravitate to your business solely becuase you are a WBE. But, I think most customers, especially in today's sour economy, care more about functionality, reliability and cost then they do about the owners of a business. There are possibly some grant or loan programs and maybe some government contract opportunities designed just for WBEs as well as many forums and such. But, you will have to search those out on your own based on your business type and your offerings. But, I think your only real benefit would be in your marketing materials - letting your customers know that you are certified as a WBE can go a long way in showing both your professionalism and dedication to your business.

If a company is established and is doing significant business with the government, then it is to their benefit to do business with a WBE. Any entity doing business with the government must follow certain government guidelines.

Bizjunkie has something there. The Federal Goverment has specifically targetted WBE's for grants and small business loans. Partnerships are often sought with WBE's in order to secure grants. Most grants and loans require some sort of match a small business start up loan may provide more leaverage in terms of securing gov't assistance. ---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.

WBE is only useful for working with the government or with large public corporations who are trying to meet certain numbers in giving out X amount of business to women or minority business for either PR or regulatory requirements. When you are working with your normal peers or with the general public (if you are selling to the end consumer), it doesn't make any difference. People only care about whether you can deliver.

Thanks for your replies, everyone. @Advantage - I hope you found these comments helpful. For more resources for women-owned business, including financing assistance and training opportunities, you can review this guide from Business.gov: Women Owned Business Guide

WBEs are in, finally. A good example can be found at the following HHS website: http://www.hhs.gov/osdbu/HHSPulseNewsletterENG_0610.pdf. In addition, there is legislation pending in Congress to give WBEs the same status as the MBE 8(a) program. I don't know and can't tell your NAICS code but one thing you can do is go to fbo.gov and do a search under your NAICS code for all opportunities and sources sought that are searching for WBEs.

It all depends on what you are selling. If you are selling something that appeals particularly to women (fitness coaching for women, breastfeeding, fashion, etc.) or something that men would be more inclined to purchase from women (fashion advice, food, anything where sex-appeal sells, etc.) then there is an advantage. Otherwise, I want to know about quality, price, trust and service pretty much in that order when I buy...and I don't care if you are a man, a woman or a polar bear.