The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program provides federal contracting opportunities specifically for women-owned businesses. For Texas women business owners, WOSB certification opens access to billions of dollars in set-aside federal contracts and strengthens positioning across both federal and state procurement markets.
What Is WOSB Certification?
The WOSB Federal Contracting Program is administered by the SBA and authorizes federal agencies to set aside certain contracts for competition among WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) firms. The program was created to increase federal contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses in industries where they are underrepresented.
WOSB set-asides are available in specific NAICS codes where the SBA has determined that women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented. EDWOSB set-asides cover additional NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented (a broader category). The complete list of eligible NAICS codes is published by the SBA.
Eligibility Requirements
WOSB Requirements
- The business must be a small business under the SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code
- At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
- The management and daily operations must be controlled by one or more women who own the business
- The women must hold the highest officer position and have managerial experience necessary to run the business
EDWOSB Additional Requirements
An EDWOSB must meet all WOSB requirements plus demonstrate economic disadvantage. The qualifying woman's personal net worth must not exceed $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity), adjusted gross income averaged over three years must not exceed $400,000, and total assets must not exceed $6.5 million.
How to Get Certified
WOSB certification is obtained through the SBA's online portal at certify.sba.gov. The process involves:
- Register in SAM.gov: Your business must have an active registration in the System for Award Management.
- Create an account on certify.sba.gov: This is the SBA's certification portal for WOSB, EDWOSB, 8(a), and HUBZone programs.
- Complete the WOSB application: Provide information about your business structure, ownership, management, and operations.
- Upload supporting documents: Including formation documents, operating agreement or bylaws, tax returns, proof of citizenship, and personal financial statements (for EDWOSB).
- SBA review: The SBA reviews your application and supporting documents. Certification is typically processed within 90 days.
WOSB certification through the SBA is free. There is no application fee.
Benefits of WOSB Certification
Set-Aside Contracts
Federal agencies can set aside contracts exclusively for WOSB or EDWOSB firms in eligible NAICS codes. This means only other certified WOSB firms can compete for these opportunities, significantly reducing the competitive field.
Sole-Source Contracts
Federal agencies can award sole-source contracts to WOSB firms up to $4.5 million for services and $7.5 million for manufacturing, provided the agency determines there is a reasonable expectation that at least two WOSB firms would submit offers and the price is fair and reasonable.
Enhanced Credibility
WOSB certification through the SBA provides third-party verification of your ownership and control, which enhances credibility with both government and commercial buyers.
Stacking WOSB with Other Certifications
WOSB certification is most effective when combined with complementary certifications:
- Texas HUB: Women qualify for HUB certification, which provides state procurement preferences. Holding both WOSB and HUB gives you access to both federal and state set-asides. HUB guide.
- SBA 8(a): Women who also qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged can hold both 8(a) and WOSB certifications, accessing two separate pools of set-aside contracts. 8(a) guide.
- City WBE programs: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other Texas cities have Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification programs for city contracts. MBE/WBE guide.
- HUBZone: If your business is in a designated HUBZone, you can hold both certifications. HUBZone guide.
Texas-Specific Resources for Women Business Owners
Texas has a strong ecosystem for women-owned businesses:
- Women's Business Centers: SBA-funded centers in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other Texas cities provide free counseling, training, and assistance with certification applications.
- SCORE mentors: Free mentoring from experienced business professionals is available through SCORE chapters across Texas.
- Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs): Free assistance with government contracting, including help identifying and pursuing WOSB set-aside opportunities.
Complete guide to women-owned business programs in Texas.
Find All Programs You May Qualify For
WOSB certification is one of many programs available to Texas women business owners. Our screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — grants, tax credits, loans, certifications, and incentives — and identifies which ones may match. Start your free screening →