I have a WBE and HUB certification for my business. My next application is one for the SBA.

However, just because you have the certification it doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed business.

Most of the set asides are open to minority and women owned businesses and I don’t see the point of differentiating between the two. The required percentages usually vary based on the contract type.

There are also ways for prime contractors to get around using certified businesses. I’ve had them contact me for services that I didn’t offer so that they could tell the awarding agency that they tried to use a certified business and couldn’t find one, because then they can use whoever they want.