The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program is administered by the SBA to help women-owned businesses compete for federal contracts in industries where women are underrepresented. WOSB certification gives eligible businesses access to set-aside and sole-source federal contracts reserved specifically for women-owned firms.
Texas has a large and growing community of women-owned businesses. This guide explains the certification requirements, application process, and benefits of WOSB certification for Texas business owners.
WOSB Eligibility Requirements
- Ownership: At least 51% of the business must be owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
- Management and control: One or more women must manage the day-to-day operations, make long-term business decisions, and hold the highest officer position.
- Small business: The business must qualify as small under SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code.
WOSB vs. EDWOSB
The Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) designation provides access to additional set-aside contracts in even more industry categories. To qualify as EDWOSB, the woman owner must meet the same WOSB requirements plus demonstrate economic disadvantage based on personal net worth, adjusted gross income, and fair market value of assets.
How to Apply for WOSB Certification
- Register on SAM.gov: Complete your System for Award Management registration if not already done.
- Apply through the SBA: Submit your certification application through certify.sba.gov. The SBA is the sole certifier for the WOSB program.
- Provide documentation: Upload proof of ownership (articles of incorporation, operating agreements), proof of citizenship, business tax returns, personal tax returns, and other financial documentation.
- SBA review: The SBA reviews the application and may request additional information. Processing typically takes several weeks.
- Certification decision: If approved, the business is certified as WOSB (and EDWOSB if applicable) and can compete for set-aside contracts.
Benefits of WOSB Certification
- Set-aside contracts: Federal agencies can set aside contracts for competition exclusively among WOSB-certified firms in eligible NAICS codes.
- Sole-source contracts: Agencies can award sole-source contracts up to $7 million for manufacturing or $4.5 million for other industries to WOSB and EDWOSB firms.
- Federal procurement goals: The federal government has a goal of awarding 5% of all federal contracts to women-owned businesses.
- Stacking with other certifications: WOSB certification can be combined with HUB, 8(a), HUBZone, and state certifications.
Texas Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
- SBA district offices across Texas
- Women's Business Centers in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other cities
- Texas PTAC for procurement technical assistance
- SCORE mentoring chapters statewide
- Texas HUB program for state procurement preferences
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
WOSB certification opens federal procurement opportunities, but Texas women-owned businesses can also access state certifications, workforce training grants, tax credits, and community lending programs.
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