WOSB Certification: How Women-Owned Small Businesses Get Certified

Updated Oct 19, 2026

The SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program lets agencies set contracts aside for women-owned small businesses in industries where women are underrepresented. Certification is required; 125 WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are open today, and Federal Bid Alerts sends the new ones that match your business every morning.

Newest WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides

All 125 open women owned set-asides

Who qualifies

• WOSB: at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are US citizens, and small under the size standard for the NAICS code.
• EDWOSB (economically disadvantaged): the same, with owners who also meet the SBA's economic disadvantage limits.
• Set-asides apply in the NAICS codes the SBA lists as eligible for the program; check your code.

How to apply

1. Be registered and active in SAM.gov (how).
2. Apply for certification through the SBA, or through an SBA-approved third-party certifier.
3. Keep it current: the certification must be renewed.

Questions

What is WOSB certification?

Certification in the SBA's Women-Owned Small Business program, which lets you bid on contracts set aside for women-owned small businesses.

What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

EDWOSB owners must also be economically disadvantaged under SBA limits; EDWOSBs can bid on both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides.

Can I self-certify as a WOSB?

No. Since 2020 certification by the SBA or an approved third-party certifier is required.