Marina Damiano, owner of Damiano Group Scientific Communications, needed to become a government contractor to do business with a national laboratory. Government contracts had seemed like an impenetrable fortress until she connected with a business mentor through SCORE’s volunteer program.
That mentor advised her on the benefits of WOSB certification, including set-asides specifically reserved for women-owned small businesses. From there, she was connected with an SBA advisor focused on government contracting who guided her through the process.
Damiano’s experience mirrors that of thousands of women entrepreneurs who are discovering what savvy business owners have known for decades: the government is the nation’s largest buyer of goods and services, spending over $774 billion in fiscal year 2024 on federal contracts alone. Yet women-owned businesses captured just 3.44% of that spending—$26.64 billion—falling far short of the federal government’s 5% goal.
The gap represents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity. As women continue to drive a generational boom in business formation—filing new business applications at double the rate of men—the infrastructure to support them in government contracting is expanding. From New York City’s robust M/WBE certification program to federal set-asides designed specifically for women-owned firms, the pathways are clearer than ever before.
The Billion-Dollar Landscape
The numbers tell a story of momentum meeting resistance. Between 2019 and 2023, women-owned businesses grew revenues by 30% in the mid-tier range, according to Wells Fargo’s 2025 Impact Report. Black women-owned businesses saw average revenues increase 32.7%, and Hispanic/Latino women-owned businesses by 17.1%.
In New York City alone, the opportunity is substantial. The city procures approximately $1 billion annually across 1,400+ sites, with NYCHA contributing roughly $1 billion in goods and services each year. The city’s M/WBE program, established through Local Law 129 in 2005, now lists over 10,000 certified businesses in its public directory—spanning industries from engineering to event planning, IT consulting to metal fabrication.
“The first time we applied, our application seemed to have gotten stuck in the process. We sent in multiple help-desk tickets, and eventually someone was able to reset our application.”
— Dr. Pohlhaus, Ripple Effect, on navigating WOSB certification
The challenge isn’t just in winning contracts—it’s in knowing they exist. According to a 2021 Small Business Administration report, women business owners face hurdles including potential discrimination, lack of knowledge about government contracting, and limited access to procurement networks. Yet data also reveals an encouraging pattern: women business owners receive their first federal contract within 20 months and 4.3 unsuccessful bids, compared to men who take 25 months and five unsuccessful bids.
Two Pathways: Local and Federal
For New York-based entrepreneurs, the journey typically begins with one of two certification programs—or ideally, both.
NYC’s M/WBE Certification
The city’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise program offers immediate advantages. Certified businesses gain visibility in the NYC Online Directory, access to networking events, customized courses, and targeted meetings with city agencies. Perhaps most significantly, city agencies can award contracts up to $1.5 million directly to certified M/WBEs without formal competition.
Eligibility requires that women own at least 51% of the business, which must have been selling goods or services for at least one year. The application process, managed by Small Business Services, includes both standard and Fast Track options for businesses with complete documentation.
Federal WOSB/EDWOSB Programs
At the federal level, the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program opens doors to set-aside contracts in industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented. The program, formally authorized in 2000 but facing implementation delays until recent years, has gained traction with 13,957 companies winning contracts in fiscal 2024.
The Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) designation offers even more targeted opportunities. To qualify, women owners must have a net worth under $850,000, adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less over three years, and personal assets of $6.5 million or less.
By the Numbers: In fiscal 2024, women-owned small businesses won $26.64 billion in federal contracts across 13,957 companies—a $1.15 billion increase from 2023, though still representing only 3.44% of total federal contracting dollars versus the 5% goal.
The Certification Journey
The path to certification has become more streamlined, though it still requires careful preparation. Gone are the days of self-certification for federal programs. Since October 2020, all WOSB firms must apply through MySBA Certifications, the SBA’s centralized platform, or use one of four SBA-approved third-party certifiers: Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), National Women Business Owners Corp., U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, or the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Before diving into applications, businesses must complete a crucial prerequisite: registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). This free registration creates your business’s profile in the federal contracting ecosystem, generating a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and establishing electronic funds transfer capabilities. The process typically takes 30 minutes to several weeks, depending on validation requirements.
Documentation Requirements
Both NYC and federal certifications require substantial documentation. Expect to provide:
- Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, or sole proprietor certificates)
- Tax returns demonstrating business ownership structure
- Resumes for all owners with equity stakes
- Bank account documentation showing signatory authority
- Recent contracts and invoices proving business operations
- Proof of U.S. citizenship for women owners
Dr. Pohlhaus of Ripple Effect, who navigated the WOSB application process, advises submitting full CVs rather than abbreviated LinkedIn profiles: “The SBA wanted more details, so we had to go back and make sure we had a full CV/résumé to upload.”
Finding the Contracts
Certification is just the entry point. The real work begins in identifying relevant opportunities—and this is where many women-owned businesses stumble.
For federal contracts, SAM.gov serves as the primary marketplace, posting all opportunities over $25,000. But individual agencies often maintain their own portals. The Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, and other major buyers list additional opportunities on agency-specific sites.
In New York City, opportunities flow through several channels:
- The NYC Department of Education’s procurement portal
- Individual agency solicitation pages
- The citywide PASSPort system for registered vendors
- Pre-bid conferences and matchmaking events
Success often comes from targeted persistence. One woman business owner reported finding subcontracting opportunities through SAM.gov from previous academic collaborators—a reminder that government contracting frequently combines new systems with existing relationships.
“I sought WOSB certification on the advice of my wonderful business mentor from the SCORE program… My SCORE mentor advised me on the benefits of certification, including set-asides specifically reserved for fulfillment by WOSBs.”
— Marina Damiano, PhD, Damiano Group Scientific Communications
The Support Infrastructure
Perhaps the most encouraging development for women entrepreneurs is the expanding support network. The SBA’s Women’s Business Centers—now numbering 168 nationwide—offer free to low-cost counseling, training, and resources. In January 2025, the SBA announced $26.25 million in funding to create 13 new centers and support 17 existing ones, including specialized centers focused specifically on government contracting.
SCORE’s volunteer mentors, with approximately 350 chapters nationwide, provide ongoing advice from experienced business leaders. Many specialize in government contracting, offering guidance through certification, bid preparation, and contract management.
For New York businesses, additional resources include:
- NYC Small Business Services’ Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
- America’s Small Business Development Centers
- The M/WBE Leadership Association
- Women in Management employee resource groups
Industry Hotspots and Trends
Not all industries see equal opportunity in government contracting. Analysis of fiscal 2024 awards reveals clear patterns: 54% of federal contracts to women-owned businesses fell in Professional Services and IT categories, followed by Facilities & Construction at 19%. Medical services captured less than 5%.
Eight of the top ten companies winning WOSB contracts operate in IT, with firms like FCN, Countertrade Products, and Blue Tech Inc. leading the field. The federal government’s emphasis on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and IT modernization continues to drive demand in these sectors.
Defense agencies—Army, Navy, and Air Force—accounted for $12.7 billion of total awards to women-owned businesses, representing 48% of the total. Yet these contracts represent less than 3% of the Department of Defense’s total $455.2 billion in annual spending, highlighting significant room for growth.
Several agencies exceeded the 5% goal for WOSB contracts: Homeland Security, USDA, Health & Human Services, Treasury, Department of Interior, Commerce, and Transportation all surpassed the threshold, offering models for other agencies.
The Competitive Advantage
Set-aside programs create genuine competitive advantages. Under federal WOSB program rules, contracting officers can restrict competition to certified women-owned businesses in designated industries. The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act removed contract caps, allowing unlimited awards for competitive set-asides and sole-source contracts up to $7 million for manufacturing and $4.5 million for other services.
In New York, the advantages compound. The city’s program exempts M/WBE-certified businesses from competitive bidding requirements for procurements under $200,000. The state’s program prioritizes certified businesses for contracts over $25,000 for services and $100,000 for construction.
Yet only $1.3 billion of the $26.64 billion awarded to women-owned businesses in fiscal 2024 came through actual WOSB set-aside awards—less than 5% of total WOSB contracts. The vast majority came through general small business set-asides ($6 billion) and 8(a) programs ($2.16 billion), suggesting many women-owned businesses win on merit beyond their certification status.
Maintaining Certification and Staying Competitive
Certification isn’t permanent. Federal WOSB status requires annual attestation (currently in abeyance) and a full program examination every three years. SAM.gov profiles must be updated annually to maintain active status.
NYC M/WBE certification requires annual confirmation showing no significant changes in ownership, operation, or management. The process is straightforward but critical—missing deadlines can result in losing certification status and directory listing.
Success in government contracting often comes from sustained engagement. Regular participation in pre-bid conferences, even for contracts you don’t win, builds relationships with contracting officers and prime contractors seeking subcontractors. Many agencies now host virtual matchmaking events specifically designed to connect certified businesses with upcoming opportunities.
Real Investment, Real Returns
Government contracting demands investment—time, documentation, sometimes assistance from consultants or third-party certifiers who charge fees. WBENC certification, which can be combined with WOSB certification, requires application fees and site visits. The process can take weeks or months.
But the returns justify the investment. Federal contracts provide reliable revenue, often with faster payment terms than private sector work. Successfully completing government contracts builds a performance record that opens doors to larger opportunities. For many women-owned businesses, government work provides the steady foundation that allows investment in growth, staff, and capability development.
Gigi De Jesus’s Salsa Industrial Supply exemplifies the trajectory. Starting as a certified M/WBE serving government agencies, the company leveraged partnerships with NYC Public Schools’ Office of Supplier Diversity. Featured in the Principals Digest and added to the office supplies list, Salsa saw spending grow exponentially. The company now offers over 54,000 products online, serving government agencies and corporate clients—the only firm of its kind in New York State.
“We make good faith efforts to utilize City-certified minority and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBE) vendors whenever possible and encourage M/WBEs to apply to all solicitations.”
— NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene procurement policy
The Path Forward
The landscape for women in government contracting has never been more favorable, yet significant barriers remain. The federal government has met its 5% goal for women-owned small businesses only twice since 1994—in fiscal years 2015 and 2019. The gap between goal and reality represents billions in unrealized opportunity.
Yet momentum is building. The Biden-Harris administration expanded Women’s Business Centers to record levels. Changes to certification processes, implemented in 2020, streamlined applications while strengthening oversight. First-time awardees numbered over 1,500 in fiscal 2023 alone—proof that new entrants can break through.
For women entrepreneurs in New York City and beyond, the message is clear: the door is open, the support infrastructure is in place, and the opportunity is substantial. What’s required is the same persistence, strategy, and business acumen that built their companies in the first place—now applied to an arena where their status as women-owned businesses becomes a strategic advantage rather than a barrier.
The question isn’t whether women can win government contracts. They already are, in growing numbers, across every industry. The question is whether you’ll be among them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does M/WBE or WOSB certification take?
NYC M/WBE certification typically takes 60-90 days once your complete application is submitted. Federal WOSB certification through MySBA can take 30-60 days, though third-party certifiers may vary. The SAM.gov registration prerequisite adds 2-4 weeks. Starting early and having all documentation organized can significantly speed the process.
Can I have both NYC M/WBE and federal WOSB certification?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended. The certifications serve different purposes—M/WBE for city and state contracts, WOSB for federal opportunities. Many successful businesses maintain both certifications to maximize their contracting opportunities. Some third-party certifiers like WBENC offer dual certification processes.
What if my business is co-owned by my husband?
To qualify, women must own at least 51% of the business and control day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making. If your husband owns 49% or less and you can demonstrate operational control, you likely qualify. The certification process will require documentation proving ownership structure and management authority.
How competitive is government contracting for small businesses?
Competition varies by industry and contract size. Set-aside programs reduce competition by limiting bidding to certified businesses. Data shows women business owners actually receive their first federal contract faster than men (20 months versus 25 months). Starting with smaller contracts under $250,000 provides an easier entry point with fewer procedural requirements.
What are the most common mistakes in pursuing government contracts?
The most frequent errors include: incomplete SAM.gov registration, missing certification deadlines, failing to attend pre-bid conferences, not building relationships with prime contractors, and pursuing contracts outside your core capabilities. Working with SCORE mentors or Women’s Business Centers can help avoid these pitfalls.
Do I need a lawyer to get certified or win contracts?
Not necessarily. The SBA offers free certification through MySBA Certifications, and resources like Women’s Business Centers provide free counseling. However, some businesses choose to work with consultants or attorneys for complex ownership structures or to expedite the process. Third-party certifiers charge fees but may offer additional benefits like networking events and corporate supplier programs.
What happens if I lose a bid? Can I reapply?
Yes. Government contracting typically involves multiple unsuccessful bids before winning. Use debriefings (when available) to understand why your bid wasn’t selected. Many agencies provide feedback that helps strengthen future proposals. Building relationships through pre-bid conferences and staying engaged with the procurement community increases success rates over time.
Are there grants available to help with certification costs?
While certification fees themselves are modest (NYC M/WBE is free; federal WOSB through SBA is free; third-party certifiers charge fees), several organizations offer grants for women-owned businesses. Check with your local Women’s Business Center, Small Business Development Center, and organizations like the National Women’s Business Council for current grant opportunities.
Sources
- Association for Women in Science (AWIS). “5 Steps Toward Success with Federal Contracts for Women-Owned Small Businesses.” May 2024. https://awis.org/resource/5-steps-toward-success-with-federal-contracts-for-women-owned-small-businesses/
- Bipartisan Policy Center. “A Look at Women-Owned Small Business Contracting.” https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/women-owned-small-business/
- Federal News Network. “Women-owned small businesses win record $25.5B in federal contracts.” April 2024. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2024/04/women-owned-small-businesses-win-record-25-5b-in-federal-contracts/
- Federal Register. “Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program Updates and Clarifications.” December 2024. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/04/2024-28200/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program-updates-and-clarifications
- GovSpend. “The Impact of WOSB on Federal Contracting in FY ’24.” September 2025. https://govspend.com/blog/the-impact-of-women-owned-small-businesses-on-federal-contracting-in-fy-24/
- New York City Department of Small Business Services. “Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification Program.” https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/minority-and-womenowned-business-enterprise-certification-program-mwbe
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Opportunities.” https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/business/opportunities/mwbe.page
- New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). “Minority Women-Owned Small Business.” https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/business/Minority-Women-Business-Enterprises-MWBE.page
- New York City Public Schools. “Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.” https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/working-with-nycps/minority-and-women-owned-business-enterprises
- New York State Office of General Services. “Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises Frequently Asked Questions.” https://ogs.ny.gov/mwbe/minority-and-women-owned-business-enterprises-frequently-asked-questions
- SCORE. “How Women Entrepreneurs Can Win Federal Contracts.” https://www.score.org/resource/blog-post/how-women-entrepreneurs-can-win-federal-contracts
- U.S. Library of Congress. “The Women-Owned Small Business Contract Program: Legislative and Program History.” https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R46322
- U.S. Small Business Administration. “SBA Administrator Guzman Grants More Than $26M to Create 13 New Women’s Business Centers.” January 2025. https://www.sba.gov/article/2025/01/16/sba-administrator-guzman-grants-more-26m-create-13-new-womens-business-centers
- U.S. Small Business Administration. “Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program.” https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program
- U.S. Small Business Administration. “Women’s Business Centers.” https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/womens-business-centers
- U.S. Small Business Administration. “MySBA Certifications.” https://certifications.sba.gov/
- Weltman, Barbara. “State of Women-Owned Businesses in 2024.” Big Ideas for Small Business. April 2024. https://bigideasforsmallbusiness.com/state-of-women-owned-businesses-in-2024/
- WIPP Education Institute. “2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Research.” https://www.wippeducationinstitute.org/2025-wells-fargo-impact-of-women-owned-businesses
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). “WOSB Certification.” May 2025. https://www.wbenc.org/certification/wosb-certification/
