The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) are two related federal certifications that provide access to set-aside government contracts. While they share the same foundation, EDWOSB provides access to additional contract opportunities in more industry categories. Understanding the difference helps Texas women business owners decide which certification to pursue.
WOSB Certification
WOSB certification requires:
- At least 51% ownership by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
- Management and daily operations controlled by women owners
- The business must be small under SBA size standards
WOSB certification provides access to federal contracts set aside in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented.
EDWOSB Certification
EDWOSB certification requires all WOSB requirements plus:
- The woman owner's personal net worth must not exceed $750,000 (excluding business and primary residence equity)
- The woman owner's adjusted gross income must not exceed $350,000 averaged over three years
- The fair market value of all assets must not exceed $6 million
EDWOSB certification provides access to set-aside contracts in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are both substantially underrepresented and underrepresented.
Key Differences
Contract Access
- WOSB: Set-asides in industries where women are substantially underrepresented
- EDWOSB: Set-asides in all WOSB-eligible industries plus additional industries where women are underrepresented
Financial Requirements
- WOSB: No personal financial thresholds
- EDWOSB: Net worth, income, and asset limits apply
Sole-Source Authority
Both WOSB and EDWOSB firms can receive sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million for services or $7 million for manufacturing, but EDWOSB firms have access to sole-source opportunities in more NAICS codes.
Which Should You Pursue?
If you meet the economic disadvantage thresholds, always pursue EDWOSB certification because it includes all WOSB benefits plus additional opportunities. If your personal finances exceed the EDWOSB thresholds, pursue WOSB certification, which still provides valuable contract access.
How to Apply
- Register on SAM.gov
- Apply through certify.sba.gov (the SBA is the sole certifier)
- Provide ownership documentation, financial records, and citizenship proof
- For EDWOSB, provide additional financial documentation demonstrating economic disadvantage
Combining with Other Certifications
Texas women business owners can stack WOSB or EDWOSB certification with Texas HUB certification, 8(a) certification, city MBE/WBE programs, and NMSDC certification for maximum procurement access across government levels.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Federal certifications are one part of the opportunity landscape. Texas women-owned businesses can also access grants, tax credits, workforce training, and CDFI lending.
Not sure which programs may fit your business? Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →