Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Set-aside for women-owned small businesses in NAICS where women are underrepresented. SBA-certified.
Authority: FAR Subpart 19.15 / 13 CFR 127
Live obligation stats appear after the next weekly USAspending sync.
Eligibility checklist
- Small business by SBA size standard for primary NAICS
- At least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
- Operating in NAICS designated as eligible for WOSB program (per SBA list)
- Day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making controlled by women
- SBA-approved certification (or third-party certifier) — self-certification ended in 2020
How to get certified
- Verify NAICS eligibility. Confirm your primary NAICS is on the SBA WOSB-eligible list.
- Gather ownership and control documentation. Operating agreements, stock ledgers, board minutes, executed K-1s.
- Apply via Certify.SBA.gov. Submit ownership, control, and (for EDWOSB) personal financial statements.
- Maintain SAM.gov registration. Keep entity profile current and matching the certification.
Recommended NAICS
Get WOSB opportunities weekly
New federal solicitations using the WOSB set-aside, matched to your NAICS, every Monday. No login required.
Continue learning
FAQ
What's the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) is a stricter subset — the woman owner must also meet personal net worth and income thresholds similar to 8(a). EDWOSB-set-aside contracts can also be sole-sourced; WOSB-only ones generally cannot.
Can I self-certify as WOSB?
No. SBA ended self-certification in October 2020. You must obtain certification from SBA via certify.SBA.gov or an SBA-approved third-party certifier.
Which NAICS are eligible?
SBA publishes an updated list of NAICS codes designated as underrepresented. You can only use the WOSB set-aside on contracts in those NAICS.