Did you know that the U.S. government sets aside a significant portion of its contracts exclusively for small and disadvantaged businesses?

That means if you qualify for certain certifications — like Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, or HUBZone — you may be eligible for contracts that only you and similar businesses can bid on.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Why certifications matter
• The most valuable certifications in federal contracting
• How to apply and start leveraging them

Why Certifications Matter

Federal agencies have diversity and inclusion goals they must meet. Every year, billions in contracts are earmarked for certified businesses.

These “set-aside” contracts mean:

• Less competition
• Higher win potential
• More visibility with contracting officers

If you qualify and aren’t certified, you’re missing out on exclusive access to high-value opportunities.

Top Federal Certifications to Know

✅ 1. Small Business (SB)

Applies to most U.S.-based businesses with fewer than 500 employees and under a certain revenue threshold (based on NAICS code).

• No application needed — just certify your status during SAM.gov registration
• Foundation for many other set-aside programs

✅ 2. Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) & Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB)

For businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by women.

• Offers access to WOSB set-aside contracts
• EDWOSB is an additional designation for women who meet economic criteria

📝 Apply through: SBA’s WOSB Program

✅ 3. Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) & Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

For businesses owned and operated by U.S. military veterans.

• SDVOSB certification unlocks exclusive contracts from the VA and DoD
• Requires proof of service and disability status

📝 Apply through: SBA’s VetCert portal

✅ 4. 8(a) Business Development Program

For socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.

• 9-year program offering sole-source contracts and training
• Ideal for minority-owned and underserved entrepreneurs

📝 Apply through: SBA 8(a) Application

✅ 5. HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone)

For businesses in economically distressed areas.

• Business must be located in a HUBZone and 35% of employees must reside there
• Offers competitive and sole-source opportunities

📝 Check eligibility & apply: HUBZone Map & Application

Bonus: State & Local Certifications

Many states and cities offer their own certifications, such as:

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
• Local Business Preferences

Be sure to check with your local procurement office.

How to Start Using Your Certification

Once you’re certified:

1. Update your SAM.gov profile
2. List your certification in your capability statement
3. Search for set-aside contracts on GovTenders
4. Market yourself directly to contracting officers

GovTenders lets you filter opportunities by certification type, so you can focus on bids you’re eligible for — and skip the rest.

Don’t Qualify Yet? You Still Have Options

Even if you don’t qualify for these programs, you can:

• Partner or subcontract with certified firms
• Start your own application process
• Still bid on full & open opportunities

You don’t need a certification to win contracts — but it definitely helps.