Federal agencies aim to award at least 5% of contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program is how the government reaches that goal, and certification is the only way into it.
If your business is majority owned and run by women, this is one of the most valuable certifications you can hold.
What WOSB certification unlocks
- Set-aside contracts in industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented. Only certified WOSBs or EDWOSBs can compete.
- Sole-source awards in eligible industries, without a competition, up to $5.5 million, or $8.5 million for manufacturing.
- Visibility with primes, which need women-owned small businesses to meet their federal subcontracting goals.
WOSB eligibility
- Your business must be a small business under the SBA size standard for your primary NAICS code.
- It must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens.
- Women must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions.
EDWOSB: the economically disadvantaged tier
An Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) meets every WOSB requirement, and each qualifying woman owner must also have:
- Personal net worth under $850,000, excluding retirement accounts
- Adjusted gross income averaging $400,000 or less over the past three years
- Personal assets of $6.5 million or less
EDWOSBs can compete for both WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides, which opens more industries.
How to apply
- Register in SAM.gov first. Your SAM.gov profile must be active and accurate. See our SAM.gov registration checklist.
- Gather your documents: ownership records, operating agreement or bylaws, proof of citizenship, and, for EDWOSB, personal financial information.
- Apply in MySBA Certifications at certifications.sba.gov.
- Respond quickly to SBA questions. SBA aims to decide within 90 days of receiving a complete application.
- Keep it current. SBA conducts a full program examination every three years, and your SAM.gov profile must be updated every year.
Common reasons applications stall
- Operating agreements that give a male co-owner veto power over key decisions
- Ownership records that don’t match what’s in SAM.gov
- A woman owner who holds the title but doesn’t actually run daily operations
Women-owned businesses in California should also consider state certifications. See what small business certification unlocks.
Frequently asked questions
What is WOSB certification?
It is an SBA certification for small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens. It lets firms compete for federal contracts set aside for women-owned small businesses.
What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
EDWOSB owners also meet economic limits: personal net worth under $850,000, average adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less, and personal assets of $6.5 million or less. EDWOSBs can compete for both WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides.
How long does WOSB certification take?
SBA aims to decide within 90 calendar days after it receives a complete application.
Where do I apply for WOSB certification?
Apply online through MySBA Certifications at certifications.sba.gov. You need an active SAM.gov registration first.
Work with GERC
We check your WOSB and EDWOSB eligibility, fix ownership and control issues before you apply, and prepare your application. GERC is a woman-owned firm in San Bernardino, registered in SAM.gov under CAGE code 11SD2 and certified by the State of California as a Small Business (Micro) and a Small Business for Public Works (SB-PW). Book a consultation or see our capability statement.