Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to qualify for the WOSB certification to access federal contracting opportunities and specific government business set-asides.
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification is a formal designation for companies that are primarily owned and managed by women. This status allows your business to participate in specific government contracting opportunities.
Who it's for
To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women. This means women must hold the majority of ownership and have primary responsibility for the daily management and control of the company.
What you get
The main benefit of this certification is access to federal contracting set-asides. This means the government reserves certain contracts specifically for businesses that hold this certification, giving you a competitive advantage in winning government work.
What it costs you
There is no direct fee mentioned, but the process requires significant time and effort. You will need to provide detailed documentation to prove your ownership and control to meet the requirements.
The catch to know
This certification is not a requirement for running a general business or selling to the public. It is only relevant if you are specifically looking to compete for and win government contracts.
How to apply
- Gather all necessary business ownership and management documentation.
- Prepare to demonstrate that women hold the required level of control.
- Complete the official application through the government portal.
- Submit your application via the official website: https://wosb.certify.sba.gov/