WOSB Certification Guide 2025: How to Get Women-Owned Small Business Status
Complete guide to Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification. Learn eligibility, benefits, and application process.
Quick Overview: WOSB Certification
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program helps women-owned businesses compete for federal contracts. WOSBs can compete for set-aside contracts and receive sole-source awards up to $4.5 million (services) or $7 million (manufacturing). The federal government has a 5% small business contracting goal for WOSBs. Certification is free through the SBA.
WOSB vs EDWOSB: What's the Difference?
WOSB
Women-Owned Small Business
- →51%+ owned by one or more women
- →Controlled/managed by women
- →U.S. citizens
- →No economic threshold
EDWOSB
Economically Disadvantaged WOSB
- →All WOSB requirements PLUS:
- →Personal net worth under $850,000
- →3-year average income under $400,000
- →More set-aside industries available
Which Should You Apply For?
If you meet EDWOSB economic thresholds, apply for EDWOSB—you automatically qualify for WOSB contracts too, plus you access additional set-aside industries only available to EDWOSBs. More opportunity, same application.
Benefits of WOSB Certification
Sole-Source Contracts
Federal agencies can award contracts directly without competition:
- $$4.5 million for services
- $$7 million for manufacturing
WOSB Set-Aside Competitions
Compete only against other certified WOSBs:
- →Reduced competition
- →No dollar limit on competitive set-asides
- →Available in underrepresented industries
Joint Venture Opportunities
- →Partner with larger firms
- →Access bigger contracts
- →JV maintains WOSB status if majority woman-controlled
Prime Contractor Benefits
- →Large primes need WOSB subcontractors
- →Helps primes meet subcontracting goals
- →Opens teaming opportunities
Eligibility Requirements
WOSB Requirements
Small Business
Must qualify as small under your primary NAICS code
51%+ Woman-Owned
Unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
Woman-Managed
Management and daily operations controlled by one or more women
Woman Has Highest Officer Position
A woman must hold the highest officer position (CEO, President)
Additional EDWOSB Requirements
To qualify as EDWOSB, the woman owner(s) must also meet:
- $Personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding business and primary residence)
- $3-year average adjusted gross income under $400,000
- $Total assets (including business) under $6.5 million
How to Apply for WOSB Certification
Application Steps
Complete SAM.gov Registration
Required before applying for WOSB certification
Create certify.sba.gov Account
Log in with your SAM.gov credentials
Complete WOSB Application
Answer questions about ownership, control, and management
Upload Required Documents
Ownership documents, tax returns, personal financial statements (EDWOSB)
Submit and Await Decision
SBA reviews within 90 days
Required Documents
All WOSB Applicants
- • Government-issued ID (woman owner)
- • Birth certificate or passport
- • Articles of incorporation/organization
- • Operating agreement/bylaws
- • Stock certificates or ownership docs
- • Business tax returns (2-3 years)
EDWOSB Additional Docs
- • Personal financial statement
- • Personal tax returns (3 years)
- • Bank/investment statements
- • Real estate documentation
- • Retirement account statements
Finding WOSB Set-Aside Contracts
WOSB set-asides are only available in industries where women are underrepresented. Check the SBA's list of NAICS codes eligible for WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides.
Sample WOSB-Eligible Industries
Find WOSB Opportunities on BidFinds
Filter by "WOSB Set-Aside" or "EDWOSB" to find opportunities specifically for women-owned businesses. BidFinds aggregates federal, state, and local opportunities.
- • AI matching to your NAICS codes
- • Set-aside filter for WOSB/EDWOSB
- • $99/month for full access
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does WOSB certification cost?
SBA certification through certify.sba.gov is completely free. Third-party certifiers (approved by SBA) may charge fees, but SBA direct certification is always free.
How long does certification take?
SBA aims to process applications within 90 days. Having complete documentation speeds up review. Third-party certifiers may be faster but charge fees.
Can I self-certify as WOSB?
No—as of 2020, all WOSBs must be certified through SBA or an approved third-party certifier. Self-certification is no longer accepted for federal contracts.
Can I hold WOSB and other certifications?
Yes—you can be certified as WOSB plus 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB if you meet eligibility requirements for each. Multiple certifications expand your opportunities.
How often must I recertify?
WOSB certification must be renewed annually. You'll need to confirm continued eligibility and update any changed information.
Find WOSB Contract Opportunities
Once certified, discover WOSB set-aside contracts with BidFinds. AI-powered matching surfaces relevant opportunities from federal, state, and local agencies.
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