Women

A Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) is a U.S. company that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.

The WOSB certification program, managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), is designed to ensure that women-owned firms have equal opportunity to compete for and win federal contracts.

Types of Certification and Requirements

There are two primary categories under the federal program:

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB): For businesses competing for contracts in industries where women are underrepresented.

Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB): For businesses competing for contracts in the same industries, but the women owners must also meet specific financial criteria (e.g., personal net worth must be below a certain limit).

To qualify for either, the business must meet the following core requirements:

Ownership: The business must be at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by women who are U.S. citizens.

Control: A woman must hold the highest officer position and be primarily responsible for the day-to-day management and long-term strategic decisions.

Size: The business must qualify as a "small business" under the SBA's size standards for its primary industry.

Strategic Benefits of WOSB Status

The primary benefit of WOSB certification is access to the federal government's WOSB Federal Contracting Program:

Set-Aside Contracts: Federal agencies have an annual goal to award at least 5% of all prime contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. Certified WOSBs and EDWOSBs can compete for contracts that are set aside exclusively for them in certain industries.

Teaming Opportunities: Large prime contractors often seek certified WOSBs to meet their own subcontracting diversity goals, creating valuable teaming and joint venture opportunities.

Credibility: The federal certification validates the firm's legal status and capacity, enhancing its credibility when pursuing commercial clients and other government procurement opportunities.