Q-9. How can I get my business certified as a woman or minority owned?
Your business must be owned and at least 51% controlled by one or more minorities. Women are not considered minorities. It is a self-certifying process and no paperwork needs to be filled out. However, your state and local government may have different rules and regulations regarding their contracts and what their definitions are. Consult your state and local government for rules and requirements. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a certification process for the 8(a) Business Development Program to assist Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB).  This program assists in the development of small companies owned and operated by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The SDB certification ensures that small businesses are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals meeting SDB eligibility criteria. If you are considered a SDB, you may receive a price evaluation credit of up to 10% when you bid on a federal contract.  Businesses eligible for this program may receive federal contracting set-asides and other business-development support to help the company gain access to the economic mainstream. For more information on this program visit certifications.