WOSB Certification Guide 2025: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

Quick Answer: What is WOSB Certification?

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program provides access to set-aside contracts exclusively for women-owned businesses. The federal government has a 5% contracting goal for WOSBs. Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) have access to even more set-asides and sole-source contracts up to $7 million (manufacturing) or $4.5 million (other).

Federal Goal

$7M

Sole Source Cap

NAICS Industries

FREE

SBA Certification

What is WOSB?

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program was created to help level the playing field for women entrepreneurs in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. The program authorizes contracting officers to set aside contracts specifically for WOSBs.

The program is administered by the SBA and provides access to federal contracts in 83 specific NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented.

WOSB Program Eligibility Industries

Set-asides are available in industries where data shows women-owned businesses are underrepresented. Key sectors include:

Construction

General contractors, specialty trades, heavy construction, and engineering services.

Professional Services

Management consulting, scientific research, accounting, and legal services.

Information Technology

Software development, IT services, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.

Manufacturing

Various manufacturing sectors including electronics, machinery, and fabrication.

WOSB vs EDWOSB: Understanding the Difference

There are two levels of certification in the WOSB program, each with different benefits and requirements:

WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business)

For any qualifying women-owned business, regardless of the owner's personal economic status.

✓Set-asides in 83 NAICS codes
✓No personal net worth limits
✓Competitive set-aside contracts only

EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB)

For women-owned businesses where the owner demonstrates economic disadvantage.

✓All WOSB benefits PLUS additional set-asides
✓Sole-source contracts up to $7M (mfg) / $4.5M (other)
✓Access to substantially underrepresented industries

EDWOSB Economic Thresholds

To qualify as economically disadvantaged, the woman owner must meet these limits:

• Personal net worth: Less than $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business)
• Adjusted gross income: Less than $400,000 average over 3 years
• Total assets: Less than $6.5 million

Benefits of WOSB Certification

🎯

Set-Aside Contracts

Compete only against other certified WOSBs for designated contracts. Less competition dramatically increases your win rate.

📝

Sole-Source Contracts (EDWOSB)

EDWOSBs can receive contracts up to $7M (manufacturing) or $4.5M (services) without competition when you're the only qualified firm.

📈

5% Federal Contracting Goal

Federal agencies are required to award at least 5% of prime contracting dollars to WOSBs, creating consistent demand for your services.

🤝

Subcontracting Opportunities

Large prime contractors need WOSB subcontractors to meet their small business goals, opening doors to major projects.

WOSB Program by the Numbers

$28B+

Annual WOSB contracts

5%+

Federal goal achieved

18,000+

Certified WOSBs

Eligible industries

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for WOSB certification, your business must meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. Small Business Size

Your business must qualify as small under SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code. Size is typically based on average annual receipts or employee count.

→ Check SBA size standards

2. Woman Ownership (51%+)

The business must be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.

• Ownership must be direct (not through trusts, unless specific types)
• Stock options, convertible securities don't count toward 51%
• Community property rules apply in some states

3. Woman-Controlled Management

One or more women must control the management and daily operations of the business.

• Woman must hold highest officer position (CEO, President, etc.)
• Woman must have managerial experience for the business type
• Woman must work full-time during normal business hours
• Woman must control long-term decisions and day-to-day operations

4. U.S. Citizenship

The woman or women claiming ownership and control must be U.S. citizens. Permanent residents do not qualify.

5. NAICS Code Eligibility

Your primary NAICS code must be among the 83 eligible industries designated for WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides.

Certification Options

There are two paths to WOSB certification. Both provide the same benefits:

SBA Certification (Recommended)

Free certification directly through the SBA. This is the most trusted option.

✓Free of charge
✓Most widely recognized
✓30-90 day processing
✓Rigorous review adds credibility

Third-Party Certifier

Certification through SBA-approved third-party organizations.

•Fees vary ($250-$1,500+)
•Sometimes faster processing
•May offer additional services
•Annual renewal fees

SBA-Approved Third-Party Certifiers

• El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
• US Women's Chamber of Commerce
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

Application Process (SBA)

Follow these steps to get certified through the SBA's free program:

Register in SAM.gov

Ensure your business has an active SAM.gov registration with a Unique Entity ID (UEI). This is required before applying for any SBA certification.

Create Certify.SBA.gov Account

Visit certify.sba.gov and create an account linked to your SAM.gov UEI.

Gather Documentation

Prepare the following documents:

• Birth certificate or passport (proof of citizenship)
• Articles of incorporation/organization
• Operating agreement or bylaws
• Stock certificates or ownership documentation
• Business and personal tax returns (3 years)
• Resumes of owners and key personnel
• For EDWOSB: Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413)

Complete Application

Answer all questions honestly and upload required documents. Be thorough—incomplete applications cause significant delays.

Await Decision

The SBA reviews applications within 30-90 days. You may receive requests for additional documentation. Once approved, your status appears in SAM.gov.

Finding WOSB Contracts

Once certified, actively search for WOSB set-aside opportunities:

SAM.gov (Free)

Search for opportunities with "WOSB" or "EDWOSB" in the set-aside type field. Filter by your NAICS codes.

⚠ Interface can be challenging; requires manual monitoring

BidFinds ($99/month)

AI-powered matching surfaces WOSB set-asides from 50+ portals. Filter by certification type for instant access to relevant opportunities.

✓ Aggregates 50+ portals • Daily alerts • AI matching

Strategic Tips for WOSB Contractors

✓Target agencies: DoD, HHS, and GSA have strong WOSB utilization records
✓Combine certifications: Stack WOSB with 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB for maximum opportunities
✓Network: Attend agency matchmaking events and small business conferences
✓Subcontract first: Build past performance through subcontracting relationships

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does WOSB certification take?

SBA certification typically takes 30-90 days. Third-party certifiers may be faster but charge fees. Incomplete applications extend the timeline.

Is WOSB certification free?

Yes, certification through the SBA is completely free. Third-party certifiers charge fees ranging from $250 to $1,500+.

Can I be WOSB and 8(a) certified?

Yes! Many contractors hold multiple certifications. If you're 8(a) certified and owned by a woman, you're automatically considered WOSB-eligible for joint 8(a)/WOSB opportunities.

What's the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

EDWOSB requires the woman owner to demonstrate economic disadvantage (net worth under $850K, income under $400K). EDWOSBs have access to more set-asides and sole-source contracts.

Do I need to recertify?

Yes, you must recertify annually that you still meet WOSB requirements. Failure to recertify results in losing your certification status.

Can my husband be involved in the business?

Yes, but he cannot control the business. A man can be an employee, minority owner, or provide expertise, but the woman must control management and daily operations.

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