The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers many contracting support programs to help small firms compete for a fair share of federal funds. Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business is one of these schemes (EDWOSB) certifications. EDWOSB refers to a small business that is owned at least 51 percent by one or more women and is considered economically disadvantaged. You instantly qualify for the Women-Owned Small Business Program if you qualify as an EDWOSB (WOSB).
Both of these programs are advantageous to small business GSA Schedule contractors, but you must first ensure that you qualify and understand how to properly certify your business. The EDWOSB certification is very similar to the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program; however, there are a few differences.
The Eligibility
It's worth noting that any EDWOSB certification is eligible for WOSB certification, but not the other way around. A woman must manage the majority of the company, at least 51 percent, to be designated an EDWOSB, just as she must be economically disadvantaged to be considered a WOSB. Like women who run small businesses, this economically disadvantaged lady must make day-to-day decisions as well as long-term strategic decisions.
The Advantages
You will be allowed to participate in both small company set-aside and sole-source contracts as an EDWOSB certification, so you will have plenty of contracting options with this designation. The federal government sets aside contracts for small firms to compete for, and some contracts are further restricted to EDWOSBs only.
You'll also be able to build Joint Venture agreements with established government contractors or form Contractor Teaming Arrangements with other businesses (CTA).
Consider applying to the EDWOSB Program if you believe you fit these requirements. Applying for this certification carries no risk. If you are turned down, you can go on your contracting business as usual.
The Certification
The certification process has changed as of July 2020, and you will no longer be able for EDWOSB certification. If you are a new applicant, you must first create an account at certify.sba.gov and fill out the following information:
Registration details on SAM.gov
For the female owner, proof of citizenship in the United States is required (s)
Other business-related paperwork
Agreements on joint ventures (if applicable)
You can also be certified by an SBA-approved third-party certifier, but you must file your application through the certify.sba.gov portal. The SBA has certified four organizations for third-party certification:
El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a business organization based in El Paso, Texas.
The National Women's Business Owners Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to
Women's Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America
National Women's Business Enterprise Council
Do you want to know more about EDWOSB certification and other small business benefits?
The federal government sets aside more than $100 billion each year for small businesses, with one of their annual goals being to award at least 5% of federal contract dollars to women-owned small businesses. You have various tools, platforms, and contract possibilities accessible to you as a small business GSA Schedule contractor, and you should take advantage of them.
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