Women-Owned Small Business Certification

SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program limits competition for certain federal contracts to certified women-owned small businesses, in industries (identified by NAICS code) where they are underrepresented. Certified firms can still compete under other programs they qualify for, such as 8(a) and HUBZone. The certification applies only to federal contracts, not private-sector work. To qualify, a business must be small under SBA size standards, at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, and run day to day by women who also make its long-term decisions. Apply at SBA Certifications, SBA's free online certification process; firms certified by one of four SBA-approved third-party certifiers can submit that certification with proof of citizenship. SBA aims to decide within 90 days of a complete application. Certified firms must keep their SAM.gov profile current and have a program examination every three years.