Women-Owned Small Business
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs to support women entrepreneurs in gaining fair access to federal contracts.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program
The WOSB Program is designed to create a level playing field for women business owners by setting aside specific federal contracts for WOSB participants. These contracts are in industries where women-owned businesses are historically underrepresented. To qualify for the program, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The SBA maintains a list of eligible industries and their NAICS codes.
Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Program
The EDWOSB Program is a subset of the WOSB Program that targets women business owners who meet specific economic disadvantage criteria. These criteria include limits on personal net worth, adjusted gross income, and the fair market value of all assets. EDWOSBs have additional opportunities to compete for federal contracts set aside specifically for them.
Benefits of Certification
Certification in the WOSB and EDWOSB programs provides significant advantages, including:
Eligibility for Exclusive Contracts
Access to federal contracts set aside specifically for WOSBs and EDWOSBs.
Increased Business Credibility
Demonstrates the business’s commitment to growth and success.
Enhanced Networking Opportunities
Better access to government funding and networking opportunities.
Learn About the WOSB Certification
WOSB Eligibility Requirements
Ownership and Control
The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
Management
The day-to-day operations and long-term decisions must be managed by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
Small Business Status
The business must meet the SBA’s size standards for small businesses in its primary industry.
NAICS Code
The business must operate in an industry where women-owned small businesses are underrepresented, as identified by specific NAICS codes listed by the SBA.
EDWOSB Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the WOSB requirements, EDWOSBs must meet additional economic criteria:
Personal Net Worth
The personal net worth of the business owner(s) must be less than $850,000, excluding the ownership interest in the business and primary residence.
Adjusted Gross Income
The average adjusted gross income of the business owner(s) over the past three years must be $400,000 or less.
Fair Market Value of All Assets
The fair market value of all assets of the business owner(s) must not exceed $6.5 million.
Our streamlined process will qualify your business for exclusive opportunities and boost credibility in the marketplace.
Get Started Today
Begin your certification process with Federal Filing to capitalize on these opportunities and support your business growth. Our streamlined process ensures ease and efficiency. We handle the entire process, from prequalification and documentation validation to submission to the SBA, while keeping you informed at every step. Once certified, businesses can compete for exclusive federal contracts and benefit from increased visibility and credibility in the marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
The System for Award Management (SAM) is the system the U.S. government uses to identify and award federal contracts, loans, grants, or federal assistance.
The SAM registry is a central repository for Procurement and Contract Officers to identify vendor capabilities, demographics, and availability. This assists procurement decision-making regarding set-asides for 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned, or service-disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. It also provides a platform for prime contractors to identify subcontractors according to their needs and contract requirements. Non-profit organizations and local, county, city, and state governments must be registered in SAM to receive federal disbursements against contracts, loans, grants, and federal assistance awards.
The federal government requires an annual SAM registration renewal. You can click on the following: www.federalfiling.com to begin your renewal process. Once you submit your request, you can contact us to finalize the renewal. It should take 10 – 15 minutes on the phone with you; then, we can complete the rest of the update.
You receive your CAGE code once you register on SAM.gov; obtaining a CAGE code is no separate process. A CAGE Code is a number that the government uses to identify your business specifically so it can pay you.
Yes, you can. SAM registrations are done via SAM.gov, and as long as you have the time and the information, you can do it yourself. As you are aware, though, the US Government has made what should be a straightforward process overly complicated. If you do not complete your registration 100% accurately the first time, you can run into real problems, such as not getting paid or limiting your ability to win contracts.
Our Process
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SAM Registration
Register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM)
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Set up SBA Profile
Create an SBA profile, link SAM registration, and complete the SBA profile
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Qualification Assessment
Eligibility assessment, document collection, and initial review
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Submission to SBA
Prepare application, upload documents, submit the application
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Compliance
SBA review, respond with additional information requests site visit (if applicable)
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Approved Certification
Receive certification, update SAM profile to reflect your new status