Women-owned small business (WOSB) vs NMSDC certification (minority-owned, private sector)

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

The business and its owners must have no active exclusion in SAM at the time of application or recertification

At least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by one or more individuals who are members of a recognized minority group

Each qualifying minority owner must be a U.S. citizen

The qualifying owner must identify as Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American, as defined by NMSDC

The minority owner(s) must hold day-to-day operational authority, not just ownership on paper

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

The business must be small under the size standard for a NAICS code listed in its SAM profile

The applicant must be a for-profit business

Neither the business nor its principals may have unpaid significant financial obligations owed to the federal government

Certification is required for WOSB set-aside and sole-source awards; self-certification is not enough

You submit corporate records and business and personal financial records, including signed federal tax returns

Provide the last two years of business tax filings

After you apply, you must notify SBA of any change that could affect eligibility