Women-Owned Small Business Certification
WOSB/EDWOSB
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Becoming certified as a WOSB or EDWOSB is essential in leveling the playing field for your business. A WOSB Certification will present more opportunities for government contracting to entities owned and operated by women.
From the 500 billion dollars that are allocated annually by the government, approximately 25 billion is obligated solely to WOSB certified firms.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Overview
Each year, the federal government has a goal to award a minimum of five percent of all contracting budgets to Women-Owned Small Businesses. This opens up the opportunity for thousands of contracts to be handed out to deserving small businesses.
This initiative was born to get more women in the business industry and to give them the opportunities that they have lacked in the past. With the help of a WOSB Certification, women-owned entities can thrive.
If you own a business that is run by 51 percent women, you could qualify for some of that budget. To find out if your business is eligible, fill out our form below, or contact us at any time to receive expert assistance.
WOSB/EDWOSB Benefits
The requirements to qualify for a WOSB/EDWOSB Certification can be rigorous. However, the benefits entirely outweigh the difficulties. Once you have been awarded a WOSB/EDWOSB Certification, there are several benefits that your firm will begin to receive. These benefits will set you up to start competing for Government Contracts.
- Decreased competition by gaining access to exclusive bidding rights on WOSB/EDWOSB set-aside solicitations
- Increased visibility in the Government marketplace
- Marketing advantages through government exposure and logo use
- Many city, county, and state governments have WOSB/EDWOSB contracting goals to meet, meaning your business’s increased opportunity.
- Many third-party certifiers host marketing events that your business will receive info to attend
Government Services Exchange has worked with hundreds of businesses to get them correctly Certified. As a business owner, your time and resources are limited. Mistakes on registrations and certifications can result in delays that prohibit you from the Federal Marketplace. Our government certification experts will help save you time and money.
WOSB/EDWOSB Eligibility
Though eligibility ranges from a case to case basis, there are a few primary qualifications that your business must meet to be eligible for the WOSB Program, including:
- Be a small business
- Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens.
- Have women manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
- Women-Owned Small Business Logos
- The logos that accompany being a certified WOSB are nationally recognized by consumers.
Displaying the logos on your website, door, and products will bring you a level of marketing that your business may not have been able to reach previously.
Each symbol shows that your Women-Owned Small Business is trusted by the Federal Government and your products worthy of the highest order of commerce.
How do I Become an EDWOSB Certified Business?
While the program is very similar to the WOSB Certification, an EDWOSB provides increased benefits. To qualify as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) within the women’s contracting program, your business must:
- Meet all the requirements of the women’s contracting program
- Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth less than $750,000
- Be owned and managed by one or more women, each with $350,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years.
- Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each $6 million or less in personal assets.
If you meet these standards, the government will qualify your business as an EDWOSB.
Are There Other Women-Owned Business Certifications?
The ideal certification for Women-Owned Businesses is the WOSB. It qualifies you on a Federal Government Level, making you eligible to participate in the $25 billion set-asides. However, the Women-Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification can be just as lucrative for your company and be easier to get on.
Women-Business Enterprise (WBE)
Women Business Enterprise Certifications will give you access to contracts at a state, county, city, or municipal level. While not as much money runs through the WBE Certification as its Federal counterpart, the WBE is far easier to qualify for. Qualifications include:
- A for-profit business located in the United States;
- 51% owned by a woman, or a group of women
- The top executive officer, responsible for daily operations, is a woman with technical expertise in the firm’s primary business activity.
These straightforward qualifications can give many Women-Owned businesses a stepping stone to graduate to the WOSB Certification.
What To Do After You’re Certified
Once you’ve received your WOSB/EDWOSB, or WBE Certification, it is time to start finding Government Contracts. Government Contracting is an incredible way to boost your business through the largest spender in the world. Each contract could last up to five years and give your business a much-needed boost in revenue.
If you’re having trouble marketing your business to win Government Contracts, GSE can help with that also. Our GovExpert Database can give you the insights you need to start standing out on the open market.
Women-Owned Small Business Logos
The logos that accompany being a certified WOSB are nationally recognized by consumers. Displaying the logos on your website, door, and products will bring you a level of marketing that your business may not have been able to reach previously.
Each symbol shows that your Women-Owned Small Business is trusted by the Federal Government and your products worthy of the highest order of commerce.
Why GSE?
GSE has more than 25 years of government contracting and government compliance experience. We have assisted hundreds of clients in receiving WOSB/EDWOSB Certifications, as well as state-specific WBE Certifications.
Our mission at GSE is to take our clients to the next level of business success. By exchanging ideas, guiding and navigating them through the world of government contracting, and teaming up on long-term plans, our clients have experienced enormous success in many different industries.
Our specialized consultants will work with you to steer through the complicated process of becoming a certified Women-Owned Small Business. By choosing GSE to assist you, you’re receiving a dedicated group of people who want your Woman-Owned business to succeed for years to come.
WOSB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to become WOSB Certified?
In most cases, it can take 15 to 90 days from when the complete documentation is received. However, you should plan far in advance because timing can be highly unpredictable.
- Are there other Certifications for Women-Owned Businesses?
The main Certifications for Women-Owned Businesses are WOSB and WBE. However, other certifications include the National Women’s Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC), the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
- Are Federal and State Certifications the same?
Federal Certifications are meant for entities hoping to do business with the private sector of the U.S Government. State Certifications are for those looking to do business at a slightly smaller scope. If you want to sell to your local hospital, a WBE Certification will be the best route.
- Do Women-Owned Business Certifications Expire?
Yes. WOSB and WBE certifications will need to be renewed each year. While some state-specific certificates may be different, most other Women-Business certifications will expire annually.
From our Clients:
“We appreciate the expedience and attention to care and the consistency with follow up. Of course, there always many decisions to be made in business, our entire staff is very pleased to say using Government Services Exchange was one of the good decisions we have made.”
“Just a note to thank Government Services Exchange for a job well done! The team’s expertise and leadership, deserve a bright spotlight! Their excellent guidance for our company, Steel Toad Consulting, is most worthy of attention.”
“GSE offers top-notch quality, service and rates. Everyone one on their staff is very professional, knowledgeable and willing to assist right away. We were not only able to update our current GSA contract, but enhance our opportunities through avenues we were not currently registered for.”
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