Obtaining a certification as a women-owned business can contribute to business growth and offer access to resources that might not have otherwise been available. There are many different certification options to fit your unique business needs. A Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, in particular, presents more opportunities for government contracting to businesses owned and operated by women.

You can read more about the benefits of a Women in Business Certification here.

What is a WOSB Certification?

The federal government typically awards a minimum of five percent of all contracting budgets to Women-Owned Small Businesses. Deserving businesses have the opportunity to receive a contract that will help their small business grow and thrive.           

A WOSB certification is an initiative designed to both encourage more women to get into business and offer them opportunities that haven’t previously been available to them. Some of that budget is allotted for women-owned businesses through this certification. Certification also includes the use of Women-Owned Small Business Logos which can offer marketing capabilities and a wider reach that might not have previously been available.

Who is eligible for a WOSB certification?

Businesses that are eligible for the WOSB certification:

• Small businesses
• At least 51% owned and controlled by a woman or women
• Have women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions

Requirements to qualify for a WOSB Certification can be challenging but also come with great benefits. To find out if you’re eligible, you can fill out the form on their website.

How to get certified

You can get started by scheduling a call. After applying, it can take anywhere from 15 to 90 days from the time completed documents are received. Certification will need to be renewed each year. You can visit the Government Services Exchange for more information.

Apply as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)

An EDWOSB certification is similar to the WOSB certification but has additional qualifications for eligibility. In addition to meeting the above requirements, to qualify, businesses need to:

• Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth of less than $750,000
• Be owned and managed by one or more women, each with $350,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years
• Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each $6 million or less in personal assets

Valley’s Women in Business Program is a great resource for women-owned businesses looking to expand their network, connect with others in or out of their industry and take advantage of unique program perks. Learn more about our program that fosters collaboration and connection.

For informational/educational purposes only. External links to the https://governmentservicesexchange.com/ website do not constitute an endorsement by such website of the opinions, products or services presented herein.

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