WOSB CERTIFICATION
Women-Owned Small Business Program
The Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification program shares many similarities with the Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification; however, there are a few key differences that set them apart.
Both programs are designed to support women entrepreneurs by providing access to federal contracting opportunities, but the EDWOSB certification specifically targets women who meet certain economic disadvantage criteria. These certifications aim to level the playing field in the business world, fostering greater diversity and inclusion in federal procurement.
If you’re interested in determining your eligibility and exploring how this program can benefit your enterprise, our team of government contracting consultants is ready to assist you every step of the way. They can provide detailed information and personalized guidance to ensure you make the most out of the opportunities available. CLICK HERE to begin the process and take the first step toward enhancing your business!
WOSB Registration & Certification
The WOSB Federal Contract Program is an initiative by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) designed to provide greater access to federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. This program aims to level the playing field by setting aside specific contracts for WOSBs, helping them compete more effectively in the federal marketplace and is one of the certifications that the contracting specialists at the Federal Contracting Center can assist you in applying for.
Being WOSB certified offers several advantages:
WOSB certification can be leveraged in conjunction with various federal programs to maximize business opportunities and growth potential. These programs include:
Leveraging certification with these federal programs can provide a comprehensive strategy to increase your business’s visibility, competitiveness, and access to a broader range of federal contracting opportunities.
No, as of October 15, 2020, self-certification for the WOSB program is no longer permitted. Businesses must obtain certification through an approved third-party certifier such as the Federal Contracting Center or the SBA’s online certification process.
The decision to discontinue self-certification for the WOSB program was made to ensure greater integrity and accountability within the certification process. By requiring businesses to obtain certification through approved third-party certifiers like the FCC or the SBA’s online certification process, the program aims to reduce the risk of fraudulent claims and ensure that only genuinely eligible businesses benefit from the set-aside contracts.
This change enhances the credibility of the WOSB program, providing federal agencies with increased confidence that they are engaging with legitimate, women-owned small businesses. The rigorous certification process also supports equality and fair competition, ensuring that all participants meet the same stringent standards.
Still asking yourself, “how do I register as a woman owned small business?” Reach out to our WOSB consultants today to learn how we can assist you.
To apply for WOSB certification, you will need to provide a number of documents, including:
Ensure all documents are up-to-date and accurately reflect your business’s ownership and operational structure.
If you do not currently have SAM registration or your SAM registration has expired and needs to be renewed, the contracting specialists at the Federal Contracting Center can assist you in addition to your certification.
The above list is not an exhaustive compilation of all the documentation needed. Not all applicants may require all documentation. For additional information regarding the various business documentation that will be needed for your application, please consult with one of our contracting specialists prior to the application process.
Yes, woman owned small business certification must be renewed annually to remain valid. The renewal process involves submitting updated documentation and any changes in ownership or business structure to the SBA or your third-party certifier (the Federal Contracting Center). It’s advisable to start the renewal process at least 90 days before your certification expires to avoid any interruptions in your status.
Woman-owned small business certification can be particularly advantageous in industries where the federal government has identified a need for increased participation from women-owned small businesses. These industries include, but are not limited to:
However, the benefits of WOSB certification are not limited to these sectors; businesses across various industries can leverage woman owned business certification to gain a competitive edge in federal contracting.
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A System for Award Management (also referred to as SAM) Registration must be renewed annually to stay compliant and active. FCC recommends that businesses renew 90 days before the SAM expires to prevent service penalties and/or interruptions.