WOSB Certification for Woman-Owned Small Businesses

WOSB certification is an SBA certification for eligible woman-owned small businesses seeking federal contracting opportunities. To qualify, a business must meet SBA ownership, control, and size rules, then apply through MySBA Certifications.

Certification can make your business eligible to compete for certain federal contracts set aside for women-owned firms, but it does not guarantee an award. You still need to find opportunities that fit your services, meet the solicitation requirements, and submit a strong offer.

What WOSB certification does

The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program, often called the WOSB program, gives federal agencies a way to limit competition for certain contracts to eligible businesses. SBA identifies industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented. A contracting officer may use a WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside when the contract and applicable rules allow it.

Certification confirms that your business meets the program's eligibility requirements. It does not mean an agency will contact you, that you will receive a contract, or that every opportunity is open to your firm. You still compete against other eligible businesses and must show that you can perform the work at the required price and quality.

WOSB certification is one option within the broader range of federal contracting programs. Learn how set-asides fit into government contracts for small business, including other small-business categories and ways to pursue work as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

Who can qualify for WOSB certification

A qualifying business must be small under the SBA size standard for the NAICS code assigned to the contract. It must be at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The woman or women owners must also control the business, including its daily operations and long-term decisions.

Ownership on paper is not enough if another person has the real authority to run the firm or make major decisions. SBA may review company records and governing documents to understand ownership and control. Make sure operating agreements, bylaws, management roles, and actual business practices are consistent with the information in your application.

Size standards vary by NAICS code and may be based on employees or average annual receipts. Use the free NAICS code lookup to identify likely codes for your work, then check the SBA size standard that applies to each code. A business can be small under one NAICS code and not small under another.

• Women must hold at least 51 percent of direct ownership.
• The woman owners must be U.S. citizens and control the business.
• The business must meet the applicable SBA size standard.

WOSB and EDWOSB differences

EDWOSB means Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business. It is a certification category for a business that meets the WOSB ownership, control, and size requirements and whose qualifying woman owners also meet SBA's economic-disadvantage rules.

The extra EDWOSB requirements concern the financial situation of the woman owners. SBA evaluates the applicable financial criteria using its current rules and documentation requirements. Those rules can change, so review the current guidance on MySBA Certifications before deciding which category to apply for.

Both categories can be relevant to federal set-asides, but the industries where agencies may use each category differ. SBA identifies the eligible NAICS codes for the WOSB and EDWOSB programs. Check the current list and the NAICS code in each solicitation rather than assuming that every contract marked for a women-owned business is open to both categories.

How to apply for woman owned small business certification

Apply through MySBA Certifications. SBA certification applications are free. You do not need to pay a third-party registration service to apply, and a company that charges you to submit the application is not required by SBA.

Prepare accurate business and ownership information before you start. The SBA application may ask for documents that show who owns and controls the firm. EDWOSB applicants should also be ready to provide the financial information SBA requests under its current rules. Follow the portal's current instructions because required documents can depend on your business structure and circumstances.

1. Review the eligibility criteria and confirm that your business meets the ownership, control, and size requirements.
2. Gather formation documents, ownership records, governing documents, and any other materials requested by SBA. EDWOSB applicants should review the current financial documentation checklist as well.
3. Submit the application through MySBA Certifications and respond to SBA requests for clarification or additional records.
4. After certification, keep your business information accurate and follow SBA instructions for updates, reviews, or changes that could affect eligibility.

Find women owned business government contracts

Certification helps you qualify for some opportunities, but you still need a focused search process. Federal solicitations appear on SAM.gov under Contract Opportunities. You can also review open federal bids from SAM.gov, where listings can be filtered by industry, state, and set-aside. Check each notice for its NAICS code, required certification category, deadlines, and instructions for submitting an offer.

Match opportunities to what your company can actually deliver. Compare the solicitation's scope, staffing, licenses, insurance, past-performance requirements, place of performance, and delivery schedule with your current capabilities. If the work is outside your capacity, consider whether you can pursue a subcontracting role or build the required experience before bidding as a prime.

Research likely buyers before you spend time preparing a proposal. Look at federal agencies and what they buy to identify agencies that purchase your type of service or product. Past award information on USAspending.gov can also help you see which agencies have bought similar work and identify incumbent contractors. Use that research to tailor your capability statement and outreach.

Complete the steps to compete for federal work

SBA certification and federal vendor registration are separate steps. To bid on federal prime contracts, your business must complete a full registration at SAM.gov. SAM.gov registration is free, and a paid service is not required. A SAM registration must be renewed every 365 days to remain active.

Use consistent information across your certification application, SAM record, capability statement, and proposal. Keep your legal business name, address, ownership details, NAICS codes, and points of contact current. Review the solicitation carefully because the contracting agency's instructions determine what forms, representations, and attachments to submit.

A certification does not replace proposal preparation. Build a clear response that addresses every requirement, explains your approach, and supports your price. For additional help with federal contracting questions, contact a free resource such as an APEX Accelerator, Small Business Development Center, or SCORE mentor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

A WOSB meets SBA's woman-ownership, control, and small-business requirements. An EDWOSB meets those requirements and also qualifies under SBA's economic-disadvantage criteria for its woman owners. Review the current SBA rules to confirm the financial criteria and eligible contract categories.

What is a set-aside contract?

A set-aside contract is a government opportunity whose competition is restricted to businesses in a designated category, such as WOSB or small business. A set-aside can help eligible firms compete within a defined group, but it does not guarantee that any bidder will win. Check the solicitation for the eligibility requirements and set-aside type.

Can an LLC get government contracts?

Yes. An LLC can pursue government contracts if it meets the requirements for the opportunity, completes required registrations, and can perform the work. For WOSB certification, the LLC must meet the ownership, control, and size rules regardless of its legal structure.

How do I apply for woman owned small business certification?

Apply through MySBA Certifications at certify.sba.gov and provide the documents SBA requests to verify ownership, control, and business size. The application is free. If you are also applying as an EDWOSB, review the portal's current financial documentation requirements.

How does WOSB certification help with women owned business government contracts?

Certification can make your firm eligible to compete for certain federal contracts reserved for WOSBs or EDWOSBs. Search current solicitations and confirm that your certification category and NAICS code match each opportunity. You must still meet all other solicitation requirements and submit a competitive offer.