CEED Lending is an initiative of the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (WBC). Providing business expansion and start-up financing to small business loans in the following nine southeast Michigan counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Jackson, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Livingston, and Washtenaw. We have made more than $9 Million in loans, creating more than 1,800 jobs. As the first microlenders in Michigan, now offering LIFT loans and Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund (OCRLF) loans, we understand that small business owners typically need more than financing. Our loans are partnered with business assistance services.
To determine if you qualify and which loan best fits your needs, please use the Get Started button. If you have questions or need assistance, contact one of our CEED Lending Loan Officer at 734-677-1400.
Step One apply for WBE certification. This certification program was created to meet the need for a national standard of certification for businesses owned, managed, and controlled by women who want to market their products and services in America’s major markets.
The WBENC certification administered through the Great Lakes WBC for women business enterprises is the leading national third-party certification of women business owners. Accepted by thousands of corporations throughout the country and a number of federal and government agencies, your WBENC certification will be an important marketing tool for expanding your company’s visibility among decision-makers in corporate procurement.
A Women’s Business Enterprise, commonly referred to as a WBE, is an independent business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or Legal Resident Aliens; whose business formation and principal place of business are in the U.S. or its territories; and whose management and daily operation is controlled by a woman with industry expertise. NOTE: A WBE is the business, not the individual.
Step Two apply for optional WOSB certification. WBE certification must be approved or in the process before you can apply for a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification. This is part of the SBA’s WOSB Federal Contracting Program. WOSB certification allows access to federal contracting opportunities.
If certification is granted, the owner and contact on file will receive an email informing them the company has been granted certification. If certification is denied, the owner will receive a certified letter.
Qualifying your business as a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) can increase contracting opportunities with major corporations. Many corporations require that you be certified before they extend an opportunity to you. We provide nationally accepted certification of women-owned businesses in the private sector.
Learn what it means to be WBENC certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). If you have a product or service that you would like to market to American corporations, here is your chance to explore certification.
The certification and re-certification fee structure is based on the average sales for the company for the last three years and is paid annually at the time of renewal. This is a non-refundable processing fee.
The fees include your annual fee for membership which offers you discounts on events.
| Average Sales | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 Million | $350 |
| $1-5 Million | $500 |
| $5-10 Million | $750 |
| $10-50 Million | $1000 |
| $50 Million + | $1250 |
