Introduction: As on 15th July, 2020, latest update, the SBA’s portal has started allowing the WOSBs and EDWSOBs to submit the documentations, which are to be verified by SBA. This process has to be done to have WOSB and EDWOSB certification. Before this stipulated date of 15th July, 2020, options for certification were either to be “self-certified” or to have SBA approved 3rd party certification business as WOSB or EDWOSB.
It has been announced earlier that, some changes were effective since July 15, 2020, for the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs. Out of all other changes, the most important change is that companies cannot self-certify themselves as a WOSB or EDWOSB. Post 15th of October, 2020 they shall start seeking a formal WOSB or EDWOSB certification. Either through the SBA’s program, or one of the approved third-party certifiers.
The WOSB or EDWOSB certification program under SBA, has just been launched through certify.sba.gov. To get certified with either of the certification program, your company also needs to have the sam.gov profile. Please be noted that, though you can apply now, yet, the SBA will not start issuing certifications post 15th October 2020 onwards. Also please note the changes –
Changes:
There is no more validity of self-certification and will not be accepted as of October 15th.
SBA will not charge any fees and shall formally certify a business for the WOSB/EDWOSB program
SBA will accept 3rd party certifications only, if that is from an SBA approved 3rd party certified.
The https://beta.certify.sba.gov/ - is the latest website of WOSB/EDWOSB certification.
For WOSB/EDWOSB certification new businesses are needed to get certified by using the above stated link.
Businesses which were previously self-certified, 3rd party certified, or certified as WOSB/EDWOSB through the 8a program, have to upload their documentation to the new site by October 15th.
8a certified businesses will also be accepted by SBA and VA CVE (Center for Verification and Evaluation) as WOSB/EDWOSB. The business has to upload appropriate documentation to SBA.
Conclusion: Please check whether you have completed all your documentation, then ready to go prior to starting the application for EDWOSB certification. EDWOSB Certification is beneficial for women empowerment in every aspect. Therefore, this certification is required.
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