WOSB / EDWOSB
Women-Owned Small Business / Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business
Certifications & Set-AsidesDefinition
The WOSB Federal Contract Program authorizes agencies to set aside certain contracts for women-owned small businesses. EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) firms have access to an even broader set of set-aside opportunities across more NAICS code industries.
To qualify as a WOSB, your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, and be small under SBA size standards. EDWOSB adds an economic disadvantage requirement (personal net worth under $850,000, excluding primary residence and business equity).
WOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented. EDWOSB set-asides are available in industries where they're underrepresented. The SBA maintains the list of eligible NAICS codes for each designation.
The federal government has a 5% WOSB spending goal — the second highest after the 23% overall small business goal. Certification is through the SBA's online portal.
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