WOSB vs EDWOSB: What's the Difference?
WOSB vs EDWOSB explained: a WOSB is a women-owned small business; an EDWOSB is the economically disadvantaged subset. Eligibility, certification, and which set-asides each can win.
A WOSB is a Women-Owned Small Business — a small firm at least 51% owned and controlled by women. An EDWOSB is an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business — the same thing, plus the women owners must meet economic-disadvantage thresholds. Every EDWOSB is a WOSB; not every WOSB is an EDWOSB. EDWOSB is the narrower, more advantaged category.
Both unlock federal set-aside contracts under the SBA's WOSB Federal Contracting Program, but they apply to different sets of industries. Here's how to tell which one fits your firm.
The core difference
| WOSB | EDWOSB | |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Women-Owned Small Business | Economically Disadvantaged WOSB |
| Ownership | 51%+ owned & controlled by women | 51%+ owned & controlled by women who are economically disadvantaged |
| Extra test | Small business size standard | Size standard + net worth, income, and asset limits |
| Relationship | Broader category | Subset of WOSB |
| Set-asides | Designated NAICS where women are underrepresented | Designated NAICS where women are substantially underrepresented |
What makes an owner "economically disadvantaged" (EDWOSB)
For EDWOSB, the qualifying women owners must fall under SBA limits on:
- Personal net worth
- Adjusted gross income (averaged over recent years)
- Total fair-market value of assets
These thresholds align with the economic-disadvantage tests used in the 8(a) program. A WOSB that doesn't meet these limits is still a valid WOSB — it just isn't an EDWOSB.
Both now require formal certification
Self-certification for WOSB/EDWOSB ended in 2020. To win WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside contracts you must be formally certified, either:
- Free through the SBA certification process, or
- Through an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC).
Firms already certified as 8(a) or by the Department of Veterans Affairs (as VOSB/SDVOSB) may be able to streamline WOSB/EDWOSB certification. After certifying, your status is reflected in SAM.gov so contracting officers can find you.
Which set-asides can each win?
The SBA designates specific NAICS codes for the program based on where women are underrepresented:
- In NAICS where women are underrepresented, contracts can be set aside for WOSBs (and EDWOSBs, since they're a subset).
- In NAICS where women are substantially underrepresented, contracts can be set aside for EDWOSBs only.
So your eligible opportunities depend on your primary NAICS code. See WOSB NAICS codes for how to check whether your industry is designated for WOSB, EDWOSB, or both.
Which should you pursue?
- If your women owners meet the economic-disadvantage limits, certify as EDWOSB — you qualify for both WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides, the widest opportunity set.
- If they don't, certify as WOSB — you still compete for all WOSB-designated set-asides.
For how WOSB fits alongside 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB, read our federal set-asides guide, or jump to the WOSB and EDWOSB program pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is EDWOSB? An Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business — a WOSB whose women owners also meet SBA economic-disadvantage thresholds.
What's the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB? EDWOSB adds an economic-disadvantage test (net worth, income, assets) on top of the WOSB requirements. Every EDWOSB is a WOSB; the reverse isn't always true.
Can I self-certify as a WOSB? No. Since 2020, WOSB and EDWOSB require formal SBA certification (free) or certification through an SBA-approved third party.
Does EDWOSB give access to more contracts? Yes — EDWOSBs qualify for both EDWOSB-only set-asides and all WOSB set-asides.
Key takeaways
- WOSB = women-owned small business; EDWOSB = the economically disadvantaged subset.
- EDWOSB adds net worth / income / asset limits on top of WOSB requirements.
- Both now require formal certification (self-certification ended in 2020).
- Eligibility for specific set-asides depends on your NAICS code.