Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program provides access to federal contracts set aside specifically for women-owned businesses. With the federal government required to award at least 5% of contracts to WOSBs, this free certification is essential for women entrepreneurs seeking federal contracts.
- Issuing body
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Cost
- Free
- Processing
- 30-90 days
- Recognition
- National
Who qualifies for WOSB?
To qualify for WOSB certification:
Ownership Requirements:
- At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women
- Women owners must be U.S. citizens
Control Requirements:
- Women must control management and daily operations
- Women must make long-term decisions
- Women must hold highest officer position
Size Requirements:
- Must be a small business under SBA size standards for your NAICS code
How to apply for WOSB
Step 1: Register in SAM.gov Complete SAM.gov registration (required for all federal contracting).
Step 2: Create SBA Profile Set up your profile at certify.sba.gov.
Step 3: Complete WOSB Application Provide business and ownership information.
Step 4: Upload Documents Submit required documentation.
Step 5: Certification Decision SBA reviews and issues decision within 90 days.
What you'll need to apply
Ownership Documents:
- Articles of incorporation/organization
- Operating agreement or bylaws
- Stock certificates or membership documents
Personal Documents:
- Birth certificates or passports (proving citizenship)
- Government-issued photo ID
Business Documents:
- Business licenses
- Tax returns (if requested)
What WOSB unlocks
Federal Contract Access:
- Access to WOSB set-aside contracts
- 5% federal contracting goal for WOSBs
- Compete in WOSB-restricted competitions
Recognition:
- Listed in SAM.gov as certified WOSB
- Credibility with federal contracting officers
Where applicants get tripped up
- Ensure women owners have unconditional ownership (no restrictions)
- Document that women control day-to-day operations
- Keep SAM.gov registration current
- Consider EDWOSB if you also meet economic disadvantage criteria
Keeping your WOSB certification active
WOSB certification must be recertified annually in SAM.gov. Report any ownership or control changes immediately.
Questions applicants ask about WOSB
Is WOSB certification free?
Yes, SBA WOSB certification is completely free.
Can I self-certify as a WOSB?
No, since 2020 all WOSBs must be certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier.
What's the difference between WOSB and WBE?
WOSB is federal (SBA), WBE is private sector (WBENC). You may want both for maximum opportunities.
Pursuing WOSB?
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 WOSB is one of yours, the application link goes directly to Small Business Administration (SBA).