Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
The Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification provides access to federal contracts in industries where women are substantially underrepresented. EDWOSB contracts are available in more industry categories than WOSB-only set-asides, making this an important certification for women entrepreneurs who meet the economic disadvantage criteria.
- Issuing body
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Cost
- Free
- Processing
- 30-90 days
- Recognition
- National
Who qualifies for EDWOSB?
To qualify for EDWOSB certification:
Must meet all WOSB requirements, plus:
Economic Disadvantage Requirements:
- Personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity)
- Average adjusted gross income under $400,000 over the past 3 years
- Fair market value of assets under $6.5 million
The economically disadvantaged woman owner must:
- Own at least 51% of the business
- Control management and daily operations
How to apply for EDWOSB
Step 1: Ensure WOSB Eligibility Meet all WOSB requirements first.
Step 2: Gather Economic Documentation Prepare personal financial statements, tax returns showing AGI.
Step 3: Apply via certify.sba.gov Complete EDWOSB application with economic disadvantage documentation.
Step 4: Submit Documents Upload all required personal and business documents.
Step 5: Await Decision SBA reviews and issues decision.
What you'll need to apply
All WOSB documents, plus:
Economic Disadvantage Documents:
- Personal financial statement showing net worth
- Personal tax returns (3 years) showing adjusted gross income
- Documentation of all assets and liabilities
What EDWOSB unlocks
Expanded Contract Access:
- Access to EDWOSB set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries
- More contract opportunities than WOSB-only
- Compete in both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides
Federal Contracting:
- Part of the 5% WOSB federal contracting goal
- Additional sole-source opportunities
Where applicants get tripped up
- Calculate net worth carefully, excluding primary residence and business equity
- Average your AGI over 3 years
- If you exceed thresholds, you can still apply for WOSB
- Economic status is reviewed annually
Keeping your EDWOSB certification active
EDWOSB certification must be recertified annually. Economic disadvantage status is reviewed each year.
Questions applicants ask about EDWOSB
What's the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
EDWOSB adds economic disadvantage requirements (net worth and income limits) and provides access to additional set-aside categories.
Is EDWOSB certification free?
Yes, SBA EDWOSB certification is completely free.
What if I grow out of EDWOSB eligibility?
You can transition to WOSB-only status while maintaining access to WOSB set-asides.
Pursuing EDWOSB?
The quiz checks your business against every federal, national, and state certification we track and orders the matches by which corporate or government buyers accept each one. Most owners qualify for two or three. If EDWOSB is one of yours, the application link goes directly to Small Business Administration (SBA).