Federal WOSB certification supports a 5% federal contracting goal, and California’s Supplier Clearinghouse certifies women-owned firms for utility contracts at no cost.
Women-owned business certification opens two markets at once: federal contracts, where the government aims to award 5% of contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses, and California utility contracts through the free Supplier Clearinghouse.
Women-owned business certification opens two different markets: federal contracts through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and California utility contracts through the Supplier Clearinghouse.
Federal: WOSB and EDWOSB
- The goal: the federal government aims to award 5% of contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses (SBA).
- WOSB eligibility: at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, with women managing day-to-day operations and making long-term decisions.
- EDWOSB (economically disadvantaged) adds limits for each owner: personal net worth under $850,000, adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less averaged over three years, and assets of $6.5 million or less.
- Apply through MySBA Certifications (certifications.sba.gov).
California utilities: WBE through the Supplier Clearinghouse
- The Supplier Clearinghouse certifies women-, minority-, LGBT-, disabled veteran- and disability-owned businesses on behalf of the California Public Utilities Commission (General Order 156).
- Certified firms appear in a directory that utility companies and their prime contractors use to find suppliers.
- There is no fee, no size or owner-wealth limit, and no minimum years in business. Processing takes about 45 to 90 days.
Key takeaways
- WOSB supports a 5% federal contracting goal; EDWOSB adds net worth and income limits.
- The Supplier Clearinghouse WBE certification is free and serves California utility buyers.
- Women must own at least 51% and control the business.
Sources
Photo: Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
