Wisconsin § 16.285 - Woman-owned businesses; certification; database.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 16.285 — Woman-owned businesses; certification; database., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16.285. Woman-owned businesses; certification; database.

16.285(1) (1) 16.285(1)(a) (a) In this subsection, “woman-owned business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or corporation that fulfills all of the following requirements: 16.285(1)(a)1. 1. It is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, and actively managed by a woman. 16.285(1)(a)2. 2. It is currently performing a useful business function in this state. 16.285(1)(b) (b) The department shall implement a program for the certification of woman-owned businesses. The department may, without conducting an investigation, certify a business currently performing a useful business function in this state as a woman-owned business if the business is certified, or otherwise classified, as a woman-owned business by an agency or municipality of this or another state, a federally recognized American Indian tribe, or the federal government, or by a private business with expertise in certifying woman-owned businesses if the business uses substantially the same process as the department promulgates by rule for implementing this subsection. 16.285(1)(bm) (bm) The department may charge an applicant for certification under this subsection a processing fee of not more than $50. 16.285(1)(c) (c) The department shall promulgate rules necessary to implement this subsection. 16.285(2) (2) The department shall develop, maintain, and keep current a computer database of businesses in the state that are owned by women, containing demographic statistics and information on the types of industries represented, sales volume and growth rates, generation of jobs by both new and existing businesses, and any other relevant characteristics. The department shall compile and periodically update a list of businesses certified under sub. (1) and make the list available to the public on the Internet. 16.285 History History: 1991 a. 39 ; 1999 a. 185 ; 2005 a. 358 ; 2011 a. 32 s. 3319 ; Stats. 2011 s. 16.285; 2013 a. 20 . 16.285 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Adm 83 , Wis. adm. code.

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 16.285

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 16.285 cover?

Section 16.285 ("Woman-owned businesses; certification; database.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Wisconsin § 16.285?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 16.285" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

How does Wisconsin § 16.285 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.