Federal Certification
WOSB (Woman-Owned Small Business) Certification
WOSB (Woman-Owned Small Business) certification is an SBA federal program that makes eligible firms able to compete for WOSB set-asides in designated industries. The federal government has a government-wide goal of awarding 5% of prime contracting dollars to WOSBs. Certification requires 51% woman ownership and woman control of management and daily operations.
Quick Overview
What isWOSB?
To qualify as a WOSB, your business must be a small business under SBA size standards, at least 51% owned by U.S. citizen women, and women must control management and daily operations.
Eligibility Requirements
Common factors reviewed for WOSB
Small Business Status
The business must qualify as small under SBA size standards and, for a particular contract, under the NAICS code assigned to that solicitation.
51% Woman Ownership
One or more women must unconditionally own at least 51% of the business.
Woman Control
Women must control management and daily business operations. Women must hold the highest officer position and have the expertise to run the business.
U.S. Citizenship
Women owners must be U.S. citizens. Permanent residents do not qualify for WOSB (unlike WBE).
Potential Program Benefits of WOSB Certification
Program benefits for WOSB certification
Potential sole-source awards up to $8.5 million (manufacturing) or $5.5 million (other NAICS codes), when FAR 19.1506 conditions are met
Eligibility for WOSB set-asides in SBA-designated NAICS codes when solicitation conditions are met
Participation toward the 5% government-wide WOSB prime-contracting goal
Ability to qualify separately for other socioeconomic programs when all applicable rules are met
Application Process
Common preparation and agency-review steps for WOSB certification
Verify SAM Registration
If not registered: Allow at least 10 business days after submission for a registration to become active. Validation issues can take longer.Ensure your business has an active SAM.gov registration. This is required before applying.
Create a MySBA Certifications Account
Create or use your account in MySBA Certifications at certifications.sba.gov.
Complete Application
Answer eligibility questions and upload required documents proving woman ownership and control.
SBA Review
Up to 90 calendar days after a complete package, whenever practicableSBA reviews your application and supporting documents. They may request additional information.
Certification Decision
Included in SBA's review windowSBA issues a decision. A certified firm must still be small for the solicitation's NAICS code and meet the applicable set-aside or sole-source conditions.
Commonly Requested Documents
The current agency or certifier checklist controls the records needed for a WOSB application
Apply yourself or use paid support
You can apply directly through the issuing agency or certifier. Our optional paid service helps organize the checklist and review your application materials within an agreed scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WOSB certification
What is WOSB certification?
WOSB (Woman-Owned Small Business) certification is a federal SBA program that makes eligible firms able to compete for WOSB set-asides in designated industries. The federal government has a 5% government-wide prime-contracting goal for WOSBs.
How is WOSB different from WBE?
WOSB is an SBA federal contracting program governed by 13 CFR part 127. WBE is a label used by particular state, local, and private supplier-diversity programs. WOSB requires qualifying women owners to be U.S. citizens; WBE citizenship or residency rules vary by certifier.
What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
EDWOSB meets all WOSB requirements plus SBA's economic-disadvantage limits. Under FAR 19.1505, EDWOSB status is used for set-asides in underrepresented NAICS codes, while WOSB status, including EDWOSBs, is used in substantially underrepresented codes. The solicitation and current SBA NAICS list control.
How long is WOSB certification valid?
SBA requires a program examination every three years. Its annual-attestation requirement is currently in abeyance, while the firm must still keep its SAM.gov profile current and report material eligibility changes.
Can I self-certify as a WOSB?
Use SBA's free MySBA process or an SBA-approved third-party certifier. Current rules also allow a firm with a complete pending certification application to submit an offer for certain WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides, subject to expedited status review if it is the apparent successful offeror. Sole-source awards require completed certification. Follow the current solicitation and 13 CFR 127.504.
What contracts can WOSBs compete for?
WOSBs can compete for set-aside contracts in SBA-designated industries where women are underrepresented. Eligible sole-source awards are capped at $8.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes or $5.5 million for other NAICS codes, and the other conditions in FAR 19.1506 still apply.
Primary Sources
Reviewed July 20, 2026.
Related Certifications
Separate program guides that may be relevant to your business
EDWOSB Certification
WOSB category with additional economic-disadvantage requirements
Learn MoreWBE Certification
Separate state, local, or private certification with buyer-specific recognition
Learn More8(a) Certification
Separate SBA program for firms that independently meet its eligibility rules
Learn MoreGet help with SAM.gov and certifications
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