Certification for Small Businesses Owned by Women
WOSB/EDWOSB Certification
Securing certification as a WOSB or EDWOSB is crucial to ensure a fair business environment. Certification as a Women-Owned Small Business opens up more opportunities for government contracts specifically designated for entities owned and operated by women.
Out of the annual government allocation of $500 billion, approximately $25 billion is exclusively reserved for WOSB certified firms.
Consultation with WOSB Experts:
Schedule a call with our knowledgeable WOSB experts to gain further insights.
Advantages of WOSB/EDWOSB Certification
Meeting the requirements for WOSB/EDWOSB certification may involve rigorous processes, but the benefits outweigh the challenges. Once your firm receives the certification, you’ll enjoy several advantages that enhance your competitiveness in securing government contracts.
- Exclusive bidding rights on WOSB/EDWOSB set-aside solicitations, reducing competition
- Enhanced visibility in the government marketplace
- Marketing advantages through exposure to government agencies and permission to use certification logos
- Opportunities to help government entities meet their contracting goals at various levels (city, county, and state)
- Access to marketing events organized by third-party certifiers
At Government Services Exchange (GSE), we possess extensive experience in efficiently assisting businesses in obtaining the correct certifications, saving you valuable time and resources. Mistakes in registrations and certifications can result in delays, hampering your entry into the Federal Marketplace. Our team of government certification experts is dedicated to ensuring a streamlined process and providing guidance.
Eligibility for WOSB/EDWOSB Certification
While eligibility criteria may vary in each case, certain primary qualifications must be met to be eligible for the WOSB Program:
- Qualify as a small business
- Ownership and control of the business by women who are U.S. citizens, constituting at least 51%
- Women actively involved in managing day-to-day operations and making long-term decisions
- Logos for Women-Owned Small Businesses
- The logos associated with WOSB certification enjoy nationwide recognition among consumers. Displaying these logos on your website, storefront, and products enhances your marketing reach, conveying trust from the Federal Government and reflecting the high quality of your products.
- Becoming an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
- The EDWOSB certification provides additional benefits, similar to the WOSB certification. To qualify as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business within the women’s contracting program, your business must meet specific criteria:
- Meet all the requirements of the women’s contracting program
- Ownership and control by women, each with a personal net worth of less than $750,000
- Management by women, each with an average adjusted gross income of $350,000 or less over the previous three years
- Ownership and control by women, each with personal assets of $6 million or less
Meeting these standards will qualify your business for EDWOSB certification.
Other Certifications for Women-Owned Businesses
While WOSB certification is the preferred choice for women-owned businesses at the federal level, other certifications are available. The Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification, for instance, grants access to contracts at the state, county, city, or municipal level. Although the WBE Certification involves smaller funding compared to its federal counterpart, it is often easier to qualify for. The qualifications include:
- Operating a for-profit business within the United States
- At least 51% ownership by a woman or a group of women
- The top executive officer, responsible for daily operations, being a woman with technical expertise in the primary business activity of the firm
For many women-owned businesses, the WBE Certification serves as a stepping stone towards eventually achieving WOSB certification.
Empower Your Business with GSE!
We have aided numerous clients in obtaining WOSB/EDWOSB Certifications, as well as WBE Certifications tailored to specific states.
our goal is to propel our clients to new heights of business achievement. Through collaborative idea-sharing, expert guidance, navigating the intricacies of government contracting, and partnering on long-term strategies, our clients have achieved remarkable success across diverse industries.
Our team of specialized consultants will work closely with you to navigate the complex process of attaining certification as a Women-Owned Small Business. By selecting GSE as your partner, you gain access to a dedicated group of individuals who are invested in the long-term success of your woman-owned business.
