EDWOSB Certification for Printing & Packaging Companies

Why EDWOSB Certification Matters for Printing & Packaging Companies

Federal certification for economically disadvantaged women-owned businesses, providing access to additional set-aside contracts.

For printing & packaging businesses, EDWOSB certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for EDWOSB-certified suppliers in printing & packaging.

Printing and packaging offers steady, relationship-driven opportunities for diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters: **Corporate Procurement Goals**: Studies show that companies allocating 20% or more of spending to diverse suppliers report 10-15% higher annual sales. This gives procurement managers a strong incentive to shift printing and packaging spend to certified diverse suppliers. **Xerox Alliance Program**: Xerox, a global leader in managed print services, operates a Supplier Connection Program that proactively identifies, builds relationships with, and procures goods and services from certified diverse businesses. Their Tier II program also encourages Xerox's own suppliers to subcontract to diverse firms. **Packaging Industry Leaders**: Companies like Graphic Packaging and WestRock (now Smurfit WestRock) have dedicated supplier diversity initiatives, seeking diverse suppliers across packaging materials, printing services, and logistics. **Every Company Prints**: Marketing collateral, product packaging, labels, business forms, direct mail, signage, and branded merchandise—every corporation has ongoing printing needs. These are recurring purchases that build long-term relationships. **Government Printing Office (GPO)**: The U.S. Government Publishing Office contracts with private sector printers for a significant portion of government printing needs, creating additional opportunities for certified diverse print companies. **Digital Transformation**: As printing evolves toward variable data printing, wide-format, and specialty applications, diverse suppliers can differentiate through technology adoption and niche capabilities.

EDWOSB Eligibility Requirements

Meets WOSB requirements plus owner's personal net worth under $850,000 and average adjusted gross income under $400,000.

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 as a Printing & Packaging Business

1. **Step 1: Ensure WOSB Eligibility**
2. Meet all WOSB requirements first.
3. **Step 2: Gather Economic Documentation**
4. Prepare personal financial statements, tax returns showing AGI.
5. **Step 3: Apply via certify.sba.gov**
6. Complete EDWOSB application with economic disadvantage documentation.
7. **Step 4: Submit Documents**
8. Upload all required personal and business documents.
9. **Step 5: Await Decision**
10. SBA reviews and issues decision.

Government Printing & Packaging Opportunities

**Federal Opportunities** Key agencies and programs for printing and packaging: - **U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)**: Contracts with private sector printers for government publications, forms, and materials - **Department of Defense (DoD)**: Military publications, training materials, packaging for defense logistics - **General Services Administration (GSA)**: Government-wide printing and publication services - **Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)**: Public health materials, Medicare publications **Key Contract Vehicles** - GPO Term Contracts (multi-year printing agreements) - GSA MAS for printing and publications services - Agency-specific printing BPAs - 8(a) sole-source contracts for printing services **Categories of Government Printing** - Forms and publications - Direct mail and outreach materials - Training manuals and guides - Signage and wayfinding - Packaging for military and government supplies - Variable data printing (personalized mailings) - Large-format printing (posters, banners) **State and Local** State agencies, school districts, and municipalities all contract for printing services. Many have diverse supplier preferences and set-aside programs.

Other Certifications for Printing & Packaging Companies

EDWOSB Certification for Other Industries