Step-by-Step Guide to Certifying Your Women or Minority-Owned Small Business

Small business certification can open doors to significant opportunities, allowing owners to compete for contracts with larger companies. Federal, state, and local governments often set aside a percentage of their contracts for women-owned and minority-owned businesses. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps to get certified.

There are two main types of certifications: Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB).

Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)

This certification is recognized by state and local governments, as well as many private organizations. To get certified, you need to go through one of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) approved third-party organizations:

• National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)

• U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

Requirements for WBE certification generally include:

• Being a for-profit business located in the U.S.

• Having 51% ownership by a woman or a group of women

• A woman-controlled governing board (if applicable)

• A woman as the top executive officer responsible for daily operations

• U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all applicants

Steps to Apply for Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certifications

1. Choose a Certifying Organization: Select one of the SBA-approved third-party organizations:

• National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)

• U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

2. Gather Required Documents:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency

• Business incorporation documents

• Financial statements for the past three years

• Resumes of owners and key personnel

• Proof of 51% ownership and control by women

• Business and personal tax returns for the past three years

• Articles of incorporation and amendments

• Bylaws and operating agreements

3. Complete the Application: Visit the chosen organization’s website and fill out the online application.

4. Submit the Application and Pay Fees: Upload all required documents and pay the certification fee.

5. Undergo Review Process: The certifying organization will review your application, which may include a site visit and interviews.

6. Receive Certification: If approved, you will receive your certification via email and postal mail.

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

This certification is used by federal agencies, aiming to award at least 5% of contracts to women-owned businesses. There is also an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) designation for those who qualify.

Requirements for WOSB certification include:

• Being a small business according to SBA standards

• At least 51% ownership and control by women who are U.S. citizens

• Women managing day-to-day operations and making long-term decisions

For EDWOSB, additional requirements include:

• Personal net worth less than $750,000

• Adjusted gross income of $350,000 or less averaged over three years

• Personal assets of $6 million or less

To apply, start at the SBA’s certification website, gather the required documents, and complete the application process.

Steps to Apply for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certifications

1. Verify Eligibility:

• Ensure your business meets SBA size standards

• Confirm 51% ownership and control by women who are U.S. citizens

• Ensure women manage day-to-day operations and long-term decisions

2. Gather Required Documents:

• Business and personal tax returns

• Financial statements

• Articles of incorporation and amendments

• Proof of U.S. citizenship

• DUNS number and registration with the System for Award Management (SAM)

3. Complete Online Application: Visit the SBA’s certification website and answer the eligibility questions.

4. Submit Application and Documentation: Upload all required documents to the SBA’s online portal.

5. Await Review and Approval: The SBA will review your application and may request additional information.

6. Receive Certification: Once approved, you will receive your certification via email.

How to Get Certified as a Minority-Owned Business

Minority-owned business certification can help you secure contracts set aside specifically for minority businesses.

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

This organization provides certification through its regional councils. To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• U.S. citizenship for business owners

• At least 51% minority ownership and control

• Daily management and operations by minority owners

To apply, fill out the online application on the NMSDC regional affiliate's website and prepare the necessary documents, including:

• Business history

• Articles of incorporation

• Stock certificates and ledger

• Meeting minutes

• Proof of U.S. citizenship for all principals

After approval, you will receive notification and can begin seeking contracting opportunities through the SBA and NMSDC resources.

Steps to Apply for Minority-Owned Business Certification

1. Locate Regional NMSDC Affiliate: Find the NMSDC regional affiliate closest to your business.

2. Gather Required Documents:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship for business owners

• Business incorporation documents

• Financial statements

• Articles of incorporation and amendments

• Stock certificates and ledger

• Resumes of owners and key personnel

3. Complete Online Application: Visit the regional NMSDC affiliate’s website and fill out the online application.

4. Submit Application and Pay Fees: Upload all required documents and pay the certification fee.

5. Undergo Review Process: The NMSDC affiliate will review your application, which may include a site visit and interviews.

6. Receive Certification: If approved, you will receive your certification via email and postal mail.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification

SBE certification varies by organization and local government, each with its own guidelines. While SBE certification from one entity may not apply universally, obtaining multiple certifications can increase your opportunities.

Steps to Apply for Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification

1. Identify Certifying Organization: Determine the local government or organization offering SBE certification relevant to your business.

2. Gather Required Documents:

• Proof of business size standards (e.g., number of employees, revenue)

• Business incorporation documents

• Financial statements

• Tax returns

• Proof of ownership and control

3. Complete Application: Visit the certifying organization’s website and fill out the application form.

4. Submit Application and Documentation: Upload all required documents and pay any applicable fees.

5. Await Review and Approval: The certifying organization will review your application and may request additional information.

6. Receive Certification: Once approved, you will receive your certification via email and postal mail.