Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Certification
WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) certification is a free federal designation administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that gives women-owned small businesses access to federal contracts set aside specifically for them, with federal agencies required to award at least 5% of all contracting dollars — approximately $26 billion annually — to certified WOSBs.
Check If You Qualify Free →How to Apply for WOSB
Assembling your documents before you start will cut weeks off your timeline.
- 1Register in SAM.gov
Required for federal contracting. Free, allow 7–10 business days for validation.
- 2Create a profile on certify.SBA.gov
This is the SBA's official portal for WOSB, EDWOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, VOSB, and SDVOSB certifications.
- 3Gather required documents
Articles of Incorporation or LLC operating agreement, stock ledger or membership certificates showing women majority (51%+), personal financial statements, and 3 years of tax returns.
- 4Upload documents and submit
The SBA charges no fee for WOSB certification.
- 5SBA reviews your application
The SBA may request additional documents. Respond within the specified timeframe to avoid delays.
- 6Receive certification
Approval typically takes up to 90 days. Annual renewal required.
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Visit ReviewMyDocs →Frequently Asked Questions
What is WOSB certification?
WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) is a federal certification administered by the SBA. It makes women-owned small businesses eligible to compete for federal contracts restricted to WOSBs in industries where women are underrepresented. Federal agencies must meet a 5% spending goal with WOSBs.
Who qualifies for WOSB certification?
Women who are U.S. citizens and own at least 51% of a small business (within SBA size standards for the industry), with documented operational control and management authority, in an industry the SBA designates as underrepresented or substantially underrepresented by women.
How is WOSB different from EDWOSB?
WOSB applies to women-owned small businesses in underrepresented industries. EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) has additional income and asset tests — personal net worth under $850,000 and average adjusted gross income under $400,000 — but opens access to set-asides in more NAICS code categories.
How do I apply for WOSB certification?
Apply through certify.SBA.gov. The SBA offers free certification with document upload, or you can use an SBA-approved third-party certifier. You must also be registered in SAM.gov to bid on federal contracts.
Is WOSB certification free?
Yes. The SBA charges no fee for WOSB certification. Third-party certifiers approved by the SBA may charge a fee, but SBA direct certification is always free.
How long does WOSB certification take?
SBA self-certification is immediate upon completing the certify.SBA.gov process. Third-party certifier review typically takes 30–90 days.
How much of federal spending is reserved for WOSBs?
Federal agencies are required to spend at least 5% of prime contracting dollars with WOSBs and EDWOSBs combined. In FY2023, this represented approximately $26 billion in federal contract awards.