The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program lets agencies set contracts aside for women-owned firms in industries where women are underrepresented. The government's goal is to award 5% of federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year, and it has often missed it, which is why these set-asides exist.
Who qualifies for WOSB
- The business is small under the SBA size standard for its NAICS code.
- It's at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
- Women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions.
Who qualifies for EDWOSB (economically disadvantaged)
All WOSB requirements, plus each qualifying woman owner must be economically disadvantaged:
- Personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding her ownership in the business and her primary residence).
- Adjusted gross income averaged over the last three years of $400,000 or less.
- Total personal assets of $6.5 million or less.
Every EDWOSB is also a WOSB, but not the other way around.
How to get certified
- Make sure your SAM.gov registration is active.
- Apply through SBA's free online certification system (MySBA Certifications). SBA-approved third-party certifiers also exist, but they may charge a fee.
- Upload ownership and control documents: articles of organization, operating agreement or bylaws, stock certificates, proof of citizenship, and for EDWOSB, personal financial information.
- Once certified, update your SAM.gov representations so contracting officers see your status.
Free help is available from your local APEX Accelerator.
What it gets you
- Access to contracts set aside for WOSBs or EDWOSBs in eligible NAICS codes, and in some cases sole-source awards (FAR Subpart 19.15).
- You can still bid on all other small-business and open contracts.
- Prime contractors seeking women-owned subcontractors to meet their goals.
See open women-owned set-asides on our contracts board (filter "Who can bid" → Women-owned), and read set-asides explained.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get WOSB certified?
Apply through SBA's free online certification system after registering in SAM.gov, uploading proof that women own at least 51% and control the business.
Is WOSB certification free?
Yes, when you apply directly with SBA. Some third-party certifiers charge a fee.
What's the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
EDWOSB adds economic-disadvantage limits for the women owners: net worth under $850,000, average adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less, and assets of $6.5 million or less.