SBA · CLIENT INTAKE TOOL

WOSB client intake checklist

Send this to a client before their first appointment so they arrive with the WOSB documents already gathered. Every item is drawn from the published SBA requirements and cited to its source.

7 document types · Administered by SBA · Rules last verified Jul 2026

Articles of organization / incorporation

The state filing that created your company, with all amendments. Programs check the formation date, the state of formation, and that the entity named matches everything else in your package.

How to get it: Your state's Secretary of State business portal (certified copies are usually a small fee).

Needed for: At least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens · The qualifying women owners must be U.S. citizens AND reside in the United States · You submit corporate records and business and personal financial records, including signed federal tax returns

Operating agreement (LLC), all amendments

The signed agreement governing how your LLC is owned and run. Reviewers read it closely for ownership percentages and for any provision that limits the qualifying owner's control (supermajority votes, manager powers, transfer restrictions).

Needed for: At least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens · A woman must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions, and hold the highest officer position · You submit corporate records and business and personal financial records, including signed federal tax returns

Stock ledger and share certificates

The record of who owns how many shares, with copies of issued certificates (front and back). This is the primary ownership evidence for a corporation.

Corporate bylaws, all amendments

The rules governing how your corporation is run. Reviewed for board composition, officer powers, and anything that limits the qualifying owner's control.

Needed for: A woman must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions, and hold the highest officer position

Resume of each qualifying owner

A current resume showing the qualifying owner's experience and role. Reviewers use it to assess whether that owner actually manages the business's daily operations and has the background to do so.

Needed for: A woman must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions, and hold the highest officer position

Business federal tax returns, last 3 years

Complete copies of your business's filed federal income tax returns for the last three years, including all schedules and attachments. Programs use them to verify revenue, size standards, and that the business is real and operating.

How to get it: From your tax preparer, your tax software, or an IRS transcript request (Form 4506-T).

Needed for: The business must be small under the size standard for a NAICS code listed in its SAM profile · Neither the business nor its principals may have unpaid significant financial obligations owed to the federal government · You submit corporate records and business and personal financial records, including signed federal tax returns

Personal federal tax returns, last 3 years (each qualifying owner)

Complete personal federal returns for each owner whose status qualifies the business. Used alongside the personal financial statement to assess economic status where a program requires it.

Needed for: Neither the business nor its principals may have unpaid significant financial obligations owed to the federal government · You submit corporate records and business and personal financial records, including signed federal tax returns

One requirement is awaiting verification against the official source and is not shown. Treat this list as accurate, not exhaustive.

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OTHER INTAKE TOOLS

VetCert document tracker WBENC application readiness list NMSDC certification checklist Full Women-owned small business (WOSB) requirements

UnderstandMyCert is an educational intake tool, not a law firm, and not affiliated with or endorsed by APEX Accelerator, the SBA, or any certifying body.