Women-Owned Small Business

Eligibility Requirements

• •Must be a small business per SBA size standards for the solicitation NAICS code
• •At least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
• •Women must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making
• •Women must hold the highest officer position and manage daily operations
• •Business must operate in a NAICS code designated for WOSB set-asides

Certification Process

Certification through SBA's Women-Owned Small Business certification portal or through approved third-party certifiers. SBA provides free online certification. Application requires ownership documentation, tax returns, articles of incorporation/operating agreement, and evidence of women's management control. SBA approved third-party certifiers include NWBOC, WBENC, and El Paso Hispanic Chamber.

Contracting Benefits

• +Competitive WOSB set-aside contracts in designated NAICS codes
• +Sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million (goods) or $7 million (services)
• +Government-wide 5% WOSB contracting goal
• +Access to SBA training and business development resources
• +Subcontracting credit for prime contractors using WOSB subcontractors