Women-Owned Small Business
A federal set-aside program for small businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and managed by women. Provides set-aside opportunities in industries where the federal government has identified women-owned firms as under-represented.
Who qualifies
Small businesses that are at least 51% directly and unconditionally owned by one or more women who are US citizens. The women must also control management and daily business operations. The business must meet SBA size standards in its primary NAICS code, AND the contract must be in an industry NAICS designated as eligible for WOSB set-asides (industries where women are under-represented as documented by SBA).
How to certify
Self-certification was eliminated in 2020. Apply at certify.SBA.gov or through an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier (NWBOC, WBENC, US Women's Chamber of Commerce, or El Paso Hispanic Chamber). Certification is free at certify.SBA.gov; third-party certifiers charge a fee. Recertification is required every three years.
What it gets you
Eligibility to compete on WOSB set-aside contracts. EDWOSB-certified firms additionally qualify for EDWOSB set-asides. Sole-source awards up to $4.5 million ($7 million for manufacturing) when only one responsible WOSB or EDWOSB is identified.