Helpful Definitions

Minority-Owned Small Business (MOSB)
Self-Certification Category (only if sole proprietorship)

A small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned, managed, and governed (controlled) by one or more minorities. It must be an independent business, with an independent and separate location and not a “sales or marketing arm” of a non-minority firm. For information on the Minority-Owned Small Business Program, visit http://www.sba.gov/content/minorities-0.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
Must be Certified by SBA as a SDB

A small business that has received certification as a small business disadvantaged business concern consistent with 13 CFR 124, Subpart B, and no material change in disadvantaged ownership and control has occurred since certification. To become SDB certified, visit http://www.sba.gov/content/8a-business-development.

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Self-Certification Category (only if sole proprietorship)

A small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women, or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more women. In addition, one or more women must control the management and daily business operations. For information on the Women-Owned Small Business Program, visit http://www.sba.gov/content/womens-business-ownership.

HUBZone Small Business (HUBZONE)
Must be Certified by SBA as a HUBZone Small Business

A small business must be located in a “historically underutilized business zone” that is owned and controlled by one or more United States citizens and at least 35 percent of its employees must reside in a HUBZone to qualify for the HUBZone program. To become HUBZone certified, visit http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/contracting/working-with-government/small-business-certifications-audiences/hubzone-certification.

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
Self-Certification Category

A small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more veterans (as defined in 38 USC 101 (2)), or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more veterans. In addition, one or more veterans must control the management and daily business operations. For additional information regarding the Veteran-Owned Program, visit http://www.sba.gov/content/veteran-service-disabled-veteran-owned.

Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (DVOSB)
Self-Certification Category

A small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more service disabled veterans (as defined in 38 USC 101 (16)), or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one for more service disabled veterans. In addition, the management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more service disabled veterans. In the case of a permanent or severe disability, the spouse or caregiver of such a service-disabled veteran may control the management and daily operations. For additional information regarding the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Program, visit http://www.sba.gov/content/veteran-service-disabled-veteran-owned.