Small Business Certifications

Get Certified. Get Contracts.

Federal certifications unlock direct access to government contracts. RickerTime Consulting handles every step of the process — from eligibility review to final approval.

Why Certification Changes Everything

Federal agencies are required by law to set aside a percentage of contracts for certified small businesses. Without certification, you're competing against every vendor in the country. With it, you're in a smaller, targeted pool — and eligible for direct awards under the Simplified Acquisitions Program.

Certifications We Process

We handle all six major small business certifications — often multiple at once.

WOSBWomen-Owned

Women-Owned Small Business

The WOSB Federal Contract Program reserves certain federal contracts for businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by women. Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) status provides access to even more set-aside contracts.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women
  • Women must be U.S. citizens
  • Women must manage day-to-day operations
  • Must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards

What You Unlock

Access to WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside contracts across all federal agencies

WBEWomen-Owned

Women's Business Enterprise

WBE certification is recognized by state and local governments, corporations, and some federal programs. It opens doors to supplier diversity programs and procurement opportunities beyond the federal marketplace.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women
  • Women must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Women must hold the highest officer position
  • Business must be independent of any non-WBE firm

What You Unlock

Access to state, local, and corporate supplier diversity programs

SDVOSBVeteran-Owned

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

The SDVOSB program gives service-disabled veterans priority access to federal contracts. The VA's Vets First program and SBA's SDVOSB set-aside program both provide significant contracting opportunities.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
  • Service-disabled veteran must manage daily operations
  • Must have a service-connected disability rating from VA or DoD
  • Must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards

What You Unlock

Priority access to VA contracts and federal SDVOSB set-asides

VBEVeteran-Owned

Veteran Business Enterprise

VBE certification recognizes businesses owned and operated by veterans. It provides access to veteran-specific procurement programs at the federal, state, and local level, as well as corporate supplier diversity initiatives.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans
  • Veteran must hold the highest officer position
  • Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Business must be independent and for-profit

What You Unlock

Access to veteran set-aside contracts and supplier diversity programs

DBEDisadvantaged

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

The DBE program is primarily used in federally-assisted transportation projects. DOT-funded contracts at state and local levels require DBE participation goals, creating significant subcontracting and prime contracting opportunities.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
  • Owner's personal net worth must be under $2.047 million
  • Owner must control day-to-day operations
  • Must meet SBA small business size standards

What You Unlock

Access to DOT-funded transportation contracts and subcontracting opportunities

MBEMinority-Owned

Minority Business Enterprise

MBE certification is recognized by federal, state, and local agencies as well as major corporations. It opens access to minority set-aside contracts, supplier diversity programs, and procurement preferences across public and private sectors.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by minority individuals
  • Minority groups include Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and others
  • Owner must manage daily business operations
  • Business must be for-profit and independently operated

What You Unlock

Access to minority set-aside contracts and corporate supplier diversity programs

How RickerTime Gets You Certified

01

Eligibility Review

We assess your business against all applicable certification criteria and identify which programs you qualify for — maximizing your contracting access.

02

Document Preparation

We compile and prepare every required document — ownership records, financial statements, operating agreements, and more — so nothing gets rejected on a technicality.

03

Application Submission

We submit your application through the correct channels (SAM.gov, SBA, state agencies) and track it through the review process.

04

Approval & Next Steps

Once certified, we connect you to the Simplified Acquisitions Program and help you identify your first direct contract opportunities.

Ready to Get Certified?

Most small businesses qualify for multiple certifications. We'll identify every program you're eligible for and handle the entire process.