What Is a WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business)?
A WOSB is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, with women managing daily operations.
WOSB (women-owned small business) in plain English
To win WOSB set-asides, you need certification. Self-certification ended in October 2020, so you must be certified by SBA, for free, or by an SBA-approved third-party certifier and upload it to MySBA Certifications.
WOSB set-asides are limited to eligible NAICS codes on SBA's list. An EDWOSB (economically disadvantaged WOSB) also meets financial limits, such as each woman owner's personal net worth under $850,000, and can compete for EDWOSB set-asides too.
Certified firms can also receive sole-source awards up to $8.5 million for manufacturing and $5.5 million for other work.
Related terms
- Set-aside: A set-aside is a contract reserved for small businesses, or for one type of small business such as HUBZone or women-owned firms. Others can't bid.
- Sole-source contract: A sole-source contract is awarded to one company without competition, which is allowed only in specific cases.
- 8(a) program: The 8(a) program is SBA's nine-year business development program for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens.
- HUBZone: A HUBZone is a Historically Underutilized Business Zone. SBA's HUBZone program helps small businesses based in these areas win federal contracts.
- SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business): An SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business) is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
Put it to work
Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.