Federal program specifically for women entrepreneurs. Provides federal contract set-asides and sole-source contracting authority. No economic disadvantage requirement unlike 8(a).
Federal Spending
$10B+ annually in WOSB contracts
5% federal contracting goal (actual varies by agency)
Application Cost
$0 through SBA Certifications
Duration
Maintain current SBA certification and complete required recertification steps
Eligibility Requirements
Ownership
At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women (U.S. citizens)
Net Worth / Income
No net worth or income limitations
Experience
Women owners must demonstrate business management experience
Other Requirements
- Must be independently operated (not subsidiary of larger firm)
- Must meet SBA small business size standards for your NAICS
- Personal and business financial statements required
- Management and experience documentation required
Certification Benefits
Federal contract set-asides (reserved exclusively for WOSB competitors)
Sole-source contracting (government can award without competition)
Eligibility for set-asides in nearly all federal contracting categories
No economic disadvantage requirement (less stringent than 8(a))
Access to WOSB training and resources
Priority for agency procurement targets (5% goal for most agencies)
Can hold WOSB + 8(a) certification simultaneously
Application Process & Timeline
Register in SAM.gov
Create SAM.gov account and mark business as 'Women-Owned' in profile. Register NAICS codes.
⏱️ 1-2 weeks
Apply for SBA WOSB certification
Submit the WOSB application and supporting documents through SBA Certifications. A firm must be certified to compete for WOSB set-asides.
⏱️ Processing time varies; do not promise same-day eligibility
Maintain certification
Keep ownership, control, size, and supporting records current and complete SBA recertification requirements.
⏱️ Follow SBA recertification instructions
Bid on WOSB Set-Asides
Start bidding on WOSB-designated contracts in FedBizOps, SAM.gov, and agency websites. Compete against other WOSBs only.
⏱️ After certification is active
Top Procuring Agencies
GSA
HHS
VA
DoD
SBA
Common Contracts
Professional services and consulting
IT services and software
Administrative and business services
Facilities and maintenance
Training and education services
Contractor Competitive Advantage
WOSB has no 8(a)-style economic-disadvantage test, but SBA certification and continuing eligibility are required for WOSB set-asides.
Next Steps:
- Verify you meet eligibility requirements
- Gather required documentation (financial statements, ownership proof, etc.)
- Apply through official program channel (SAM.gov / SBA)
- Once certified, register in SAM.gov and start bidding
- Track your set-aside contract wins and renewal deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program) certification?
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Federal program specifically for women entrepreneurs. Provides federal contract set-asides and sole-source contracting authority. No economic disadvantage requirement unlike 8(a).
What are the eligibility requirements for WOSB?
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To be eligible for WOSB, a firm must meet requirements regarding: (1) Ownership: At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women (U.S. citizens), (2) Financials: No net worth or income limitations, and (3) Experience: Women owners must demonstrate business management experience.
What is the federal spending volume for WOSB contracts?
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Federal agencies spend approximately $10B+ annually in WOSB contracts annually through WOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts. This makes it one of the most valuable certifications for eligible firms seeking government work.
How long does it take to get WOSB certified?
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Processing times vary. SBA certifications like 8(a) and WOSB through certify.SBA.gov typically take 90 days, though complex applications can take 6 or more months. SDVOSB self-certification is immediate but attestation-based, while VA CVE verification takes 30-60 days. Begin the process 6 or more months before you plan to pursue your first set-aside.
Can I hold multiple federal certifications including WOSB?
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Yes. Many firms hold multiple certifications simultaneously. A woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned small business in a HUBZone can hold WOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone certifications concurrently. Each certification opens different set-aside pools. The only restriction is that some SBA programs require the firm remain within size standards while certified.
What are the most common mistakes in the WOSB application?
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Common disqualifying mistakes include: ownership documentation that does not clearly show the required ownership percentage; operating agreements that give non-qualifying members too much control; missing or outdated financial statements; and past performance claimed that predates the certification period. Work with a PTAC counselor before submitting because rejections reset your processing clock.