SBA Process Simplified for Women-Owned Businesses to Get Certified

Women entrepreneurs who are seeking to expand their business by going after government contracts will find it a bit easier, thanks to a new web site released by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The web site has streamlined the application process, making it easier to find out if they qualify, and easier to apply for certification.

What is certification?

The SBA Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program, which began in 2011, was designed to expand the number of industries where women-owned small businesses are able to compete for business with the federal government. This program enables Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) to compete for federal contracts that are set-aside for EDWOSBs in industries where women-owned small businesses are underrepresented. WOSBs must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by women to qualify for the certification program.

With the new SBA web site, the contracting application and certification process for women-owned small businesses is now easier and completely accessible online. There is even a power point presentation that will take women business owners through the online certification process. In addition, there is a link "Am I Eligible?" that quickly determines eligibility for the certification program.

Why the new web site is important for women-owned businesses

Maria Contreras-Sweet, SBA administrator, said that the new web site has included the Women-Owned Small Business program on the website in an effort to help address a market gap for female entrepreneurs.

Read more at www.executivegov.com/2016/08/sba-unveils-support-website-for-small-business-owners-entrepreneurs/

To go directly to the new SBA web site for more information on applying for the federal contracting program, go to www.sba.gov/contracting/government-contracting-programs/women-owned-small-businesses