The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) Programs are designed to provide women-owned small businesses with greater access to federal contracting opportunities. These programs aim to level the playing field, with a government goal to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to WOSBs and EDWOSBs annually, opening doors to set-aside contracts in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented.
What is the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) & Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) Program?
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) Programs are federal contracting assistance initiatives managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These programs aim to ensure that women-owned businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for federal contracts. The federal government’s objective is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to WOSBs and EDWOSBs each year. Participation in these programs allows eligible businesses to compete for specific “set-aside” contracts in industries where WOSBs are identified as underrepresented, helping to provide a more level playing field for women entrepreneurs in federal procurement.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for the WOSB and EDWOSB programs, businesses must meet specific criteria. It is always recommended to verify the latest requirements directly with the SBA before applying. As of the current program regulations, the eligibility requirements are:
- For WOSB Certification:
- The business must qualify as a small business according to SBA size standards.
- It must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens.
- Women must manage the day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions for the business.
- For EDWOSB Certification (in addition to WOSB requirements):
- The business must be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth less than $850,000. Funds invested in an official retirement account are excluded from this assessment.
- The business must be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with $400,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years.
- The business must be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with $6.5 million or less in total personal assets.
These economic disadvantage standards are aligned with the 8(a) Business Development program. For the most current thresholds and detailed eligibility, applicants should consult the official SBA website: sba.gov.
What You Can Get
The WOSB and EDWOSB programs do not provide direct monetary grants or loans. Instead, the primary benefit is access to federal contracting opportunities. Specifically, certified businesses can:
- Compete for Set-Aside Contracts: Gain eligibility to bid on federal contracts specifically “set aside” for WOSBs and EDWOSBs. These contracts are for goods and services in industries where women-owned businesses have historically been underrepresented, as identified by NAICS codes.
- Access to Restricted Contracts: EDWOSBs may compete for contracts that are further restricted to economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses.
- Level the Playing Field: The program helps to fulfill the federal government’s goal of awarding at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to WOSBs each year, providing a significant avenue for growth and stability for women entrepreneurs.
It is important to note that WOSB and EDWOSB certification benefits apply exclusively to federal contracting opportunities and do not extend to contracts in the private sector.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
To compete for WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside contracts, businesses must obtain certification. The application process typically involves these steps:
- Review Eligibility: Before applying, thoroughly review the detailed eligibility requirements for WOSB and, if applicable, EDWOSB status on the SBA’s official website or the MySBA Certifications portal.
- Choose a Certification Method: Businesses can either apply for certification directly through the SBA’s free online process at Certify.SBA.gov (MySBA Certifications) or utilize an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC).
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documentation, which typically includes proof of U.S. citizenship for women owners, business formation documents, financial statements, and other supporting evidence to demonstrate ownership, control, and economic disadvantage (for EDWOSB).
- Apply Online via MySBA Certifications: All WOSB firms must apply for certification at MySBA Certifications, the SBA’s online platform. This portal also assists firms in understanding the process, accessing checklists, and exploring eligibility.
- If Using a Third-Party Certifier: If you opt for an SBA-approved TPC, you will still need to upload your TPC certification and proof of citizenship to MySBA Certifications to complete the process and become eligible for federal contracts.
- Maintain Certification: To maintain WOSB or EDWOSB certification, firms are generally required to annually attest to meeting program requirements (note: annual attestation is currently in abeyance, meaning firms do not have to submit an attestation annually, but this status can change). Additionally, firms must undergo a program examination every three years conducted by the SBA or a third-party certifier. Firms must also update their SAM.gov profile annually to keep their Small Business Search (SBS) profile active.
For detailed guidance and to start your application, visit the SBA’s MySBA Certifications portal at Certify.SBA.gov.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
When applying for or participating in the WOSB and EDWOSB programs, applicants typically encounter several common challenges. Being aware of these can help streamline the process:
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation: Failing to provide all required documents or submitting information that does not clearly demonstrate ownership, control, or economic disadvantage can lead to delays or denial.
- Not Meeting Ownership and Control Requirements: The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizen women who actively manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. Any deviation from this can disqualify a firm.
- Misunderstanding EDWOSB Economic Thresholds: For EDWOSB, not accurately assessing personal net worth, adjusted gross income, and total assets against the SBA’s specific thresholds can be a common error. Always verify the latest figures with the SBA.
- Neglecting Annual SAM.gov Updates: Failure to annually update the business’s profile on SAM.gov can result in the Small Business Search (SBS) profile becoming inactive, affecting eligibility for contracts.
- Assuming Private Sector Benefits: WOSB certification benefits apply only to federal contracting opportunities, not to contracts in the private sector. Misunderstanding this scope can lead to misdirected efforts.
- Not Using the Official SBA Portal: Even if using an approved Third-Party Certifier, firms must still upload their TPC certification and proof of citizenship to MySBA Certifications to be fully certified and eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “set-aside” contract?
A “set-aside” contract is a federal contract where competition is limited to businesses that participate in specific programs, such as the WOSB and EDWOSB Federal Contract Programs. These contracts are reserved for certified participants to help the government meet its contracting goals for particular socio-economic groups, ensuring a level playing field.
Can I use a third-party certifier for WOSB/EDWOSB?
Yes, the SBA allows businesses to use SBA-approved Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) to obtain WOSB or EDWOSB certification. However, even if certified by a TPC, firms must still submit their TPC certification and proof of citizenship through the SBA’s MySBA Certifications portal to be officially recognized and eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
How often do I need to renew my WOSB/EDWOSB certification?
To maintain WOSB or EDWOSB certification, firms are typically required to annually attest to meeting program requirements (note: annual attestation is currently in abeyance). Additionally, firms must undergo a program examination every three years conducted by the SBA or a third-party certifier. It is also essential to update your SAM.gov profile annually to ensure your Small Business Search (SBS) profile remains active.
Are the economic disadvantage thresholds for EDWOSB fixed?
The economic disadvantage thresholds for EDWOSB, such as personal net worth, adjusted gross income, and total assets, are aligned with the 8(a) Business Development program and can be subject to change. It is crucial for applicants to verify the most current thresholds directly with the SBA on their official website (sba.gov) before applying.
Where to Get Help
- Apply or check status: SBA.gov
- Free counseling from SCORE (sba.gov/local-assistance/find/?type=SCORE) or Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Tax-related questions: IRS.gov or consult a licensed tax professional
- SBA Answer Desk: 1-800-827-5722
Reviewed by Gov Money Map Editorial Team — Last verified: 2026-05-13
Primary Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) and IRS. Official program page: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contracting-program
DISCLAIMER: Gov Money Map is not a government agency, tax advisor, financial advisor, or law firm. This page provides general educational information only. Federal program rules, dollar amounts, and eligibility criteria change frequently — verify current details with the official agency before submitting an application or making a financial decision. Last updated: May 2026.