Women and minority owned business certification is available for businesses that are 51 percent owned and controlled by either women or minorities. The purpose of the certification is to help these businesses increase their exposure and gain government and corporate contracts.

Currently, 20 percent of government contracts are awarded to small businesses. Businesses with less than 500 employees are considered small businesses. Of those, the goal is to award one quarter of those contracts to woman-owned businesses, and another quarter to disadvantaged businesses.

Disadvantaged businesses are those that are owned by socially and economically disadvantaged members of a minority group. To be considered economically disadvantaged, your personal net worth must be less than $250,000. Social disadvantage is distinguished by race, ethnic origin, gender, physical handicap, and other such characteristics. To become certified as a disadvantaged business, visit the Small Business Association for an application and more information.

Another government program, the 8(a) Business Development program also helps businesses whose owners are disadvantaged (as defined above) and a member of a minority group. The 8(a) program has a more lengthy application process, but it can prove to be even more rewarding to some small businesses. The 8(a) program offers a mentor-protégé partnering program and provides resources and educational tools for learning how to compete in the federal contracting arena. Find more information, click here.

Currently, according to the SBA, official woman-owned business certification is not required to apply for federal contracts. You only need to identify that you are a woman-owned business on the contract application You can self-certify your woman-owned business in the Central Contracting Registry for free. This will help federal agencies and large contractors find your small business more easily.

Third-party certification for woman-owned businesses is required for to qualify as a woman-owned business by some purchasing authorities. Information can be found on the Women's Business Enterprise National Council website. Many state and local certification programs also exist for women and minority businesses; check with your local Small Business Administration office for more information.

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