Women-Owned Small Business



The federal government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. In 2019 this amount totaled in 7.5 billion dollars (estimated sum awarded to civilian women-owned small businesses in government contracting).

The Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification was designed to level the playing field for women business owners, specifically creating contracts set-aside for those industries that are underrepresented by women. Some contracts are restricted further to Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB). 

All firms must certify in the free online certification process at beta.certify.sba.gov, including uploading third party consultants (TPC) certified documentation for processing. You’ll need to have an active profile at SAM.gov before you can use the SBA’s certification website or become registered through an SBA-approved TPC. 


Firms will need to update their certification information through both SAM.gov and beta.certify.sba.gov once a year to maintain their status with the WOSB Federal Contracting Program.

Certification Options



1] SBA Certification – Free

Certify at beta.certify.sba.gov website by answering questions and uploading the required documents. Please review the document checklists before starting the process.

2] Third-Party Certification – Paid Service

Third-party certification is offered by four SBA-approved organizations. This option requires payment  Please contact these organizations directly for requirements. 

If you have more questions, please contact us at info@apexnorcal.org or (707) 267 – 7561