Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB) Certification Guide (2026)

Q: What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) and EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) are both federal certification programs, but they serve different set-aside pools. WOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. EDWOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented — a larger number of industries qualify. EDWOSB certification requires meeting additional economic disadvantage criteria: the woman owner must have a personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding business and primary residence), adjusted gross income under $400,000 averaged over 3 years, and total assets under $6.5 million.

Q: How do I get WOSB certification?

Since 2020, the SBA offers free WOSB/EDWOSB certification directly through certify.sba.gov. You can also obtain certification through an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPCs), though these typically charge $1,000-$3,000. The SBA certification process is recommended because it is free and equally valid. To apply, you need to create an account on certify.sba.gov, complete the online application, upload required documents (formation documents, tax returns, ownership agreements), and submit for review.

Q: What are the WOSB eligibility requirements?

To qualify as a WOSB, your business must meet all of the following: (1) Be a small business by SBA size standards for your NAICS code, (2) Be at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens, (3) Be managed and controlled in both its day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making by one or more women who own it, (4) The women owners must hold the highest officer position and manage daily operations. For EDWOSB, the women owner(s) must also demonstrate economic disadvantage (net worth < $850K, income < $400K averaged over 3 years).

Q: Which NAICS codes have WOSB set-asides?

WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are available in specific NAICS codes designated by the SBA based on industry studies. EDWOSB set-asides cover more industries than WOSB-only set-asides. The SBA maintains the official list of eligible NAICS codes on its website. Common industries with set-asides include construction, professional services, IT services, manufacturing, and healthcare. Check the SBA's WOSB program page for the complete list of eligible NAICS codes, as it is updated periodically.

Q: What are the sole-source thresholds for WOSB/EDWOSB?

Federal agencies can award sole-source contracts to WOSB or EDWOSB firms up to $4.5 million for services and $7 million for manufacturing. To use a sole-source award, the contracting officer must determine that only WOSB/EDWOSB firms can fulfill the requirement, the anticipated price is fair and reasonable, the contract is in an eligible NAICS code, and the award is in the best interest of the government. This is a significant advantage because it eliminates competition entirely.

Q: Can I self-certify as a WOSB?

No. As of 2020, self-certification is no longer accepted for WOSB federal contracting set-asides. You must obtain certification through either the SBA (free via certify.sba.gov) or an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier. However, you can still self-represent as women-owned in your SAM.gov profile for purposes other than WOSB set-aside contracts. For full access to WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides and sole-source contracts, formal SBA certification is required.

Q: How long does WOSB certification take?

SBA WOSB certification typically takes 10-30 business days to process once a complete application is submitted. Processing times can vary based on application volume and whether additional documentation is requested. Certification is valid and must be recertified annually. Third-party certifier timelines vary but are generally similar (2-6 weeks). To avoid delays, ensure all documents are current and complete before submitting.

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Summary: The WOSB and EDWOSB programs provide set-aside contracts for women-owned small businesses in industries where women are underrepresented. Businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women. Certification is free through certify.sba.gov. Sole-source thresholds are $4.5M (services) / $7M (manufacturing). The 5% government-wide goal for WOSBs represents billions in annual contract awards.

What Are the WOSB and EDWOSB Programs?

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program authorizes federal agencies to set aside contracts for eligible WOSBs in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. The program has two levels:

•WOSB: Set-asides in industries where women are underrepresented
•EDWOSB: Set-asides in industries where women are substantially underrepresented (more industries qualify, plus additional economic disadvantage criteria)

The federal government has a 5% contracting goal for women-owned small businesses. In fiscal year 2023, the government awarded over $32 billion to WOSBs, exceeding the 5% goal for the fourth consecutive year.

WOSB vs EDWOSB: Eligibility Comparison

Requirement	WOSB	EDWOSB
Small business size	Required	Required
51%+ women-owned	Required	Required
Women control operations	Required	Required
U.S. citizen	Required	Required
Personal net worth < $850K	Not required	Required
AGI < $400K (3-yr avg)	Not required	Required
Total assets < $6.5M	Not required	Required

How to Get Certified

There are two paths to certification:

Option 1: SBA Certification (Recommended — Free)

Step 1: Register on SAM.gov and obtain your UEI (prerequisite).

Step 2: Go to certify.sba.gov and create an account.

Step 3: Complete the online application and upload required documents:

•Business formation documents (articles, operating agreement)
•Tax returns (business and personal, most recent year)
•Proof of U.S. citizenship for women owner(s)
•For EDWOSB: SBA Form 413 (Personal Financial Statement)

Step 4: SBA reviews and processes within 10-30 business days.

Option 2: Third-Party Certifier

SBA-approved Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) can also certify WOSB/EDWOSB status. This option typically costs $1,000-$3,000 and may be faster in some cases. Note that SBA direct certification is equally valid and free.

Benefits of WOSB/EDWOSB Certification

•Set-aside contracts: Compete only against other WOSB/EDWOSB firms in eligible NAICS codes
•Sole-source contracts: Up to $4.5M (services) / $7M (manufacturing) without competition
•5% government-wide goal: Agencies actively seek WOSB firms to meet annual targets
•Stack with other certifications: Can hold WOSB along with 8(a), HUBZone, and other certifications
•State/local recognition: Many state and city programs recognize federal WOSB certification for their own programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) and EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) are both federal certification programs, but they serve different set-aside pools. WOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. EDWOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented — a larger number of industries qualify. EDWOSB certification requires meeting additional economic disadvantage criteria: the woman owner must have a personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding business and primary residence), adjusted gross income under $400,000 averaged over 3 years, and total assets under $6.5 million.

How do I get WOSB certification?

Since 2020, the SBA offers free WOSB/EDWOSB certification directly through certify.sba.gov. You can also obtain certification through an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPCs), though these typically charge $1,000-$3,000. The SBA certification process is recommended because it is free and equally valid. To apply, you need to create an account on certify.sba.gov, complete the online application, upload required documents (formation documents, tax returns, ownership agreements), and submit for review.

What are the WOSB eligibility requirements?

To qualify as a WOSB, your business must meet all of the following: (1) Be a small business by SBA size standards for your NAICS code, (2) Be at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens, (3) Be managed and controlled in both its day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making by one or more women who own it, (4) The women owners must hold the highest officer position and manage daily operations. For EDWOSB, the women owner(s) must also demonstrate economic disadvantage (net worth < $850K, income < $400K averaged over 3 years).

Which NAICS codes have WOSB set-asides?

WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are available in specific NAICS codes designated by the SBA based on industry studies. EDWOSB set-asides cover more industries than WOSB-only set-asides. The SBA maintains the official list of eligible NAICS codes on its website. Common industries with set-asides include construction, professional services, IT services, manufacturing, and healthcare. Check the SBA's WOSB program page for the complete list of eligible NAICS codes, as it is updated periodically.

What are the sole-source thresholds for WOSB/EDWOSB?

Federal agencies can award sole-source contracts to WOSB or EDWOSB firms up to $4.5 million for services and $7 million for manufacturing. To use a sole-source award, the contracting officer must determine that only WOSB/EDWOSB firms can fulfill the requirement, the anticipated price is fair and reasonable, the contract is in an eligible NAICS code, and the award is in the best interest of the government. This is a significant advantage because it eliminates competition entirely.

Can I self-certify as a WOSB?

No. As of 2020, self-certification is no longer accepted for WOSB federal contracting set-asides. You must obtain certification through either the SBA (free via certify.sba.gov) or an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier. However, you can still self-represent as women-owned in your SAM.gov profile for purposes other than WOSB set-aside contracts. For full access to WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides and sole-source contracts, formal SBA certification is required.

How long does WOSB certification take?

SBA WOSB certification typically takes 10-30 business days to process once a complete application is submitted. Processing times can vary based on application volume and whether additional documentation is requested. Certification is valid and must be recertified annually. Third-party certifier timelines vary but are generally similar (2-6 weeks). To avoid delays, ensure all documents are current and complete before submitting.

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This is general information, not legal advice. Verify current requirements on SBA.gov and certify.sba.gov.