Federal Small Business Certifications

The federal government offers several small business ownership certifications. Wisconsin Procurement Institute staff is able to help provide more information about these programs, help you decide whether they are a fit for your business, and assist you in applying.

Small Business Designation

Small businesses self-certify. A business that is at or below the Size Standard for the NAICS code associated with a procurement can self-certify as a Small Business for that procurement. The Size Standards for each NAICS code can be found here. Each Size Standard is based on either average annual receipts or average employment.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)

This program encourages economic development in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones) through the establishment of preferences. SBA’s HUBZone program is in line with the efforts of both the Administration and Congress to promote economic development and employment growth in distressed areas by providing access to more federal contracting opportunities. A HUBZone map, application and more specific information is available at www.sba.gov/hubzone.

8(a) Business Development Program

Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy. Small business development is accomplished by providing various forms of management, technical, financial, and procurement assistance.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)

Eligibility requirements include: The firm must be 51% or more owned and control by one or more disadvantaged persons; the disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged; the firm must be small, according to SBA’s size standards. Additional information can be found here.

Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business

Certification allows SDVOSB firms the opportunity to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified VOSBs may also compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts from the VA and participate in the Vets First Contracting Program. The Vets First Contracting Program requires that the VA first seek VOSBs and SDVOSBs for contracting opportunities with the VA. Learn more about the Government-wide veteran contracting programs at www.sba.gov.

Woman and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business

Joining the WOSB Federal Contract program makes a business eligible to compete for federal contracts reserved for the program’s certified participants. These contracts are known as “set-asides.” WOSB entities must qualify as small under one of the NAICS codes from the SBA and be at least 51% owned, controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, and have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions. To additionally qualify as an economically disadvantaged woman owned small business (EDWOSB), a business must meet economically disadvantaged criteria as set forth by the U.S. SBA.  EDWOSB entities may qualify for additional set-aside opportunities.


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