The Benefits of Government Contracting for Women-Owned Small Businesses: How to Get Started

As a female business owner, you understand the unique challenges that come with running a successful business. One way to gain a competitive advantage is by becoming a certified woman-owned business.

Interested in Government Contracting?

Benefits

Taking advantage of these benefits will help your business grow and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

  • Access to Government Contracting Opportunities

    The federal government has a goal of awarding 5% of all federal contracting dollars to WOSBs. By becoming certified, you can gain access to these opportunities and increase your chances of winning government contracts. This can be a massive boost for your business, as government contracts can be a consistent source of revenue and can help you grow your business over time.

  • Access to Private Sector Opportunities

    Many corporations have diversity and inclusion initiatives that seek to work with businesses owned by women and minorities. By becoming certified, you can gain access to these opportunities and potentially win contracts with large corporations. This can be a great way to expand your customer base and grow your business.

  • Increased Visibility

    Being certified as a WOSB can increase your visibility among potential customers and partners. Certification can be a great marketing tool, as it shows that your business has been independently verified as being owned and controlled by women. This can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract new customers.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Becoming certified can provide opportunities to network with other women-owned businesses. This can be a great way to share knowledge and best practices, as well as make valuable business connections. Additionally, many organizations and events focus specifically on supporting women-owned businesses, providing even more opportunities to network.

  • Access to Financing

    Many lenders and investors are committed to supporting women-owned businesses. By becoming certified, you can gain access to special financing programs that are designed specifically for WOSBs. This can help you secure the funding you need to grow your business.

Getting Started 

  • Determine Eligibility

    The first step in becoming a certified WOSB is to determine whether your business is eligible. To be eligible for certification, your business must meet the following criteria:

    • At least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
    • The women who own and control the business must be involved in the day-to-day management and operations of the business.
    • The business must be considered a small business based on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards.
  • Gather Documentation

    To become certified, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves your eligibility. This may include tax returns, financial statements, and organizational documents. Make sure to carefully review the requirements of your chosen certifier to ensure that you have all of the necessary documentation.

  • Complete the Application

     Once you have all of your documentation in order, you’ll need to complete the certification application. This will typically involve providing detailed information about your business, including its ownership structure, management team, and financial performance.

  • Wait for Certification

    After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for your certifier to review it. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the volume of applications the certifier is receiving. Be patient and follow up with your certifier if you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time.

    Once you’ve been certified as a WOSB, you’ll need to renew your certification on a regular basis (usually every three years). Make sure to stay on top of the renewal process to ensure that your certification remains up-to-date.

Get Started Now!

If you’re a female business owner looking to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, becoming a certified women-owned small business (WOSB) is a great opportunity. 

The certification process can be a bit daunting, but with our experts at GSE, you can successfully navigate the process and start reaping the benefits of being a certified WOSB. 

Call 866-850-1710 now for a FREE consultation with one of our specialists, and get certified now!

Call (866) 850-1710 for immediate assistance
or see how to qualify!

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