Certification

OWCC Women’s Business Certification

Woman-Owned. Certified. Connected.

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Certification recognizes businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned and controlled.

Apply Now Pay Certification Fee Download Affidavit
Certification Portal Open Now

Whether you are a solo business, side hustle, home-based business, startup, or established company, OWCC Certification is designed to help women-owned businesses gain visibility, build credibility, and connect with new opportunities.
Required Affidavit

Applicants must submit a signed and notarized OWCC Ownership & Control Affidavit as part of the certification process.

Download Affidavit
Certification Fee Payment

The standard annual OWCC Women’s Business Certification fee is $25. Applicants who are not receiving a fee waiver should submit payment as part of the certification process.

Pay Certification Fee

Why Get Certified?

Build Credibility

Demonstrate that your business is a verified woman-owned business.

Gain Visibility

Increase exposure through the OWCC Certified Business Directory and chamber communications.

Make Connections

Access networking opportunities, educational programs, and business resources.

Grow Your Business

Connect with corporations, government agencies, resource partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Certification Benefits

  • Official OWCC Certified Women-Owned Business designation
  • Inclusion in the OWCC Certified Business Directory optional
  • Access to networking and matchmaking opportunities
  • Visibility through OWCC communications and promotions
  • Discounted participation in select OWCC programs and events
  • Advocacy support and business resource connections
  • Recognition as a verified women-owned business

Who Can Apply?

  • Businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned
  • Businesses controlled and managed by one or more women
  • Registered business entities
  • Startups, side hustles, home-based businesses, and established companies

Required Documents

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Business registration document such as Ohio Secretary of State filing, Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, DBA registration, or similar document
  • Signed and notarized OWCC Ownership & Control Affidavit
    Download Affidavit
  • Certification fee payment, unless your fee has been waived
    Pay Certification Fee

OWCC may request additional documentation if ownership or control cannot be verified from submitted materials.

Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Application

Complete the online certification application. Most applications take less than five minutes.

Start Application

Step 2: Pay the Certification Fee

Submit the standard annual certification fee of $25 through the secure payment link. Funding HER Future attendees receive a fee waiver.

Pay Certification Fee

Step 3: Download the Affidavit

Download and complete the OWCC Ownership & Control Affidavit.

Download Affidavit

Step 4: Have the Affidavit Notarized

The affidavit must be signed before a notary public. OBDC Notary Services are available by appointment.

Step 5: Submit Documentation

Submit your affidavit, photo ID, business registration documents, and confirmation of payment if applicable.

Step 6: Receive Your Certification

Approved applicants will receive official OWCC Certification and may be included in the OWCC Certified Business Directory.

Certification Fee

Standard Annual Certification Fee: $25

Pay Certification Fee

OWCC Certified Business Directory

Applicants may choose to be listed in the OWCC Certified Business Directory. The directory helps connect women-owned businesses with corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and consumers seeking women-owned businesses.