Small Business Set-Aside Program

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program

The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program provides set-aside contracts for women-owned small businesses and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSB). This program aims to expand federal contracting opportunities for women entrepreneurs in industries where they are underrepresented.

5% of contracts

Government Goal

$4.5M (services)

EDWOSB Sole Source

SBA required

Certification

Underrepresented only

NAICS Restriction

Eligibility Requirements

Small Business Status

Must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code

Woman Ownership

At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens

Woman Control

Women must control management and daily business operations, including long-term decision making

EDWOSB Economic Disadvantage (if applicable)

For EDWOSB: personal net worth under $850,000, adjusted gross income under $400,000 (3-year average), total assets under $6.5 million

NAICS Eligibility

Contracts are set aside only in NAICS codes where SBA has determined women are underrepresented

How to Apply

Certification timeline: Approximately 90 days. SBA certification is now required (previously third-party certification was accepted).

Register in SAM.gov

Complete SAM registration and obtain Unique Entity ID

Create Certify.SBA.gov Account

Set up account on the SBA certification portal

Determine WOSB or EDWOSB

Decide if you qualify as WOSB only or EDWOSB (economically disadvantaged)

Gather Documents

Collect proof of citizenship, ownership documents, financial statements, tax returns

Complete Application

Fill out WOSB/EDWOSB application with all required documentation

Submit Application

Submit and await SBA certification decision

Program Benefits

WOSB set-aside contracts (competitive)

EDWOSB sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million (manufacturing up to $7 million)

EDWOSB set-aside contracts

Access in underrepresented industries

Can be combined with other certifications

No program time limit

Subcontracting opportunities with large primes

Contract Types Available

WOSB Set-Aside (competitive only)EDWOSB Sole SourceEDWOSB Set-AsideCombined certifications (e.g., 8(a)/WOSB)Subcontracts with WOSB credit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying in NAICS codes not designated for WOSB
Not demonstrating unconditional ownership
Failing to prove day-to-day control
EDWOSB applicants missing economic disadvantage documentation
Using third-party certifiers (no longer accepted)
Not understanding WOSB vs EDWOSB differences

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) has additional economic thresholds but gains sole-source contracting authority. WOSB can only compete for set-aside contracts.

Can any industry use WOSB set-asides?

No. WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides are only available in NAICS codes where SBA has determined women are underrepresented. Check the SBA website for eligible NAICS codes.