Women-owned small business (WOSB) vs Veteran-owned certification (SDVOSB/VOSB via SBA VetCert)

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 directly and unconditionally owned by one or more veterans (SDVOSB: service-disabled veterans)

The qualifying veteran owners must reside in the United States

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

A qualifying veteran must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making, and hold the highest officer position

For a permanently and totally disabled veteran unable to manage the business, a resident spouse or permanent caregiver may satisfy the control requirement

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

The business must be small under the size standard for a NAICS code listed in its SAM profile, at certification and recertification

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

You must submit evidence that the business is a small business owned and controlled by one or more qualifying veterans

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