The Oklahoma Department of Commerce certifies woman-owned businesses in Oklahoma. The program may benefit businesses that have traditionally faced extra barriers to market entry or participation. Some companies and state agencies use certifications to ensure diversity in their selection of contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
There are several benefits to operating as a certified women-owned business. They include:
- Expanded contracting opportunities;
- Added advantage when competing for contracts with public and private sector entities;
- Entities who choose to do business with you are confident that their reporting of dollars spent with women-owned businesses will be verifiable and credible.
Certification provides proof of ownership and is now being requested by both the private sector and public sector entities.
If you have questions please submit them to wobc@okcommerce.gov.
Eligibility
Any woman-owned small business is eligible to apply for certification. The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled on a day-to-day basis by one or more women.
Administrative Rules
Application
Download and complete the application form and mail it with the required attachments to:
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
ATTN: Women-owned Business Certification Program
900 North Stiles Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Women Owned Certified Businesses
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is excited to announce an important advancement in how we support minority-owned and under-served businesses.
To better serve entrepreneurs and expand access to national-level opportunities, we have transitioned away from our previous state-recognized minority business certification and entered into a strategic partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration through its 8(a) Business Development Program.
This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring Oklahoma businesses are not limited by geography—but instead positioned to compete, grow, and win at the federal and national level.
Why This Is a Better Path Forward
While our former certification was recognized within Oklahoma, the SBA’s 8(a) Program provides substantially greater value and impact:
Nationwide Recognition across all 50 states and federal agencies
Access to Exclusive Federal Contracting Opportunities, including sole-source and set-aside contracts
Comprehensive Business Development Support, including technical assistance and mentorship
Stronger Market Credibility with both public and private partners
A long-term growth model designed to help firms scale and successfully graduate into open competition
This transition allows the Department of Commerce to focus on connecting businesses to programs that deliver measurable outcomes—not just recognition.
Get Connected
If you are a minority-owned or disadvantaged business and have questions about this transition, eligibility for the SBA 8(a) Program, or other resources available through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
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