Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Certification
EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) certification is a free SBA federal designation for women-owned small businesses that also demonstrate economic disadvantage — defined as a personal net worth under $850,000 and average adjusted gross income under $400,000 — unlocking federal set-aside contracts in additional NAICS code categories beyond basic WOSB.
Check If You Qualify Free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is EDWOSB certification?
EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) is an SBA federal certification that requires all WOSB qualifications plus evidence of economic disadvantage — a personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity) and average adjusted gross income under $400,000. It opens set-aside opportunities in more NAICS codes than WOSB alone.
How is EDWOSB different from WOSB?
EDWOSB has additional financial thresholds on top of WOSB requirements: personal net worth under $850,000 and average adjusted gross income under $400,000. In exchange, EDWOSB-certified businesses can compete for set-asides in both 'underrepresented' and 'substantially underrepresented' NAICS categories — more contract opportunities overall.
Who qualifies for EDWOSB certification?
Women-owned small businesses that meet all WOSB requirements and where the qualifying woman owner has a personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding her primary residence and equity in the business), average adjusted gross income under $400,000, and total assets under $6.5 million.
How do I apply for EDWOSB certification?
Through certify.SBA.gov. In addition to standard WOSB documentation, submit personal financial statements, personal tax returns for the past three years, and a personal financial disclosure form demonstrating economic disadvantage.
Is EDWOSB certification free?
Yes. The SBA charges no application fee for EDWOSB certification.
Do I need to apply for WOSB and EDWOSB separately?
No. EDWOSB is a subset of WOSB — being certified EDWOSB also qualifies you for WOSB set-asides. You register for both simultaneously through the SBA's certify.SBA.gov portal.
How often does EDWOSB certification need to be renewed?
Annual renewal through certify.SBA.gov is required, including updated financial statements confirming continued economic disadvantage.