American job boards that are WOSB and government contractors

When people think about job boards, they often picture large, household names like Indeed or LinkedIn. But beneath those giants lies a diverse ecosystem of smaller, highly specialized companies that punch far above their weight. Some of the most impactful among them are woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs) that also serve as government contractors.

These companies are more than job platforms. They are entrepreneurial ventures led by women who have navigated federal certification processes, secured contracts with public agencies, and built services that stand up to the scrutiny of both the private and public sector. For job seekers, that means access to trusted platforms. For employers, it means partners that can deliver on compliance, inclusion, and targeted hiring goals.

What Is a WOSB?

In the U.S., a woman-owned small business is a designation recognized by the Small Business Administration (SBA). To qualify, a business must:

• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women.
• Have women managing day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making.
• Meet SBA size standards for “small business,” which vary by industry.

The federal government has specific contracting goals, one of which is to award at least 5% of all prime contracting dollars annually to WOSBs. That goal creates real opportunity for certified businesses to secure government contracts, build capacity, and grow in highly competitive industries.

Why Government Agencies Work With WOSBs

Government agencies don’t just contract with WOSBs to meet a quota. They do it because these businesses bring:

• Innovation – Smaller companies often adapt faster to new technologies and hiring practices.
• Specialization – Many WOSBs carve out niches, like focusing on diverse candidates or early-career talent.
• Diversity alignment – Agencies are under pressure to demonstrate equity and inclusion not only in who they hire, but also in who they buy from. Partnering with WOSBs helps them meet both goals.

In industries like recruitment technology, where scale is often associated with effectiveness, WOSBs stand out by proving that agility and focus can matter just as much as size.

Why It Matters in the Job Board Industry

Job boards that are woman-owned and government contractors play a dual role. They support employers in filling jobs, but they also embody the kind of diversity, resilience, and accountability that today’s candidates increasingly expect from hiring platforms.

For employers, working with a WOSB job board can:

• Support supplier diversity goals.
• Open access to candidate pools they may otherwise miss.
• Ensure compliance with federal hiring and reporting requirements.

For job seekers, it’s reassurance that the platform is not only employer-focused but also part of a broader commitment to fair opportunity.

American Job Boards That Are WOSBs and Government Contractors

College Recruiter

College Recruiter has been a leading destination for students and recent graduates seeking internships and entry-level jobs for decades. Our CEO and majority owner is Faith Rothberg. She started her professional career as a programmer for Ford Motor Company, then was an information systems consultant for KPMG, then a team lead for the information technology division of what is now Wells Fargo.

College Recruiter, as a woman-owned small business and federal contractor, icombines its mission of helping early career talent launch rewarding careers with the operational rigor of government contracting. Employers turn to College Recruiter for high-volume, diverse candidate pipelines, while candidates find a welcoming, intuitive platform to kickstart their careers.

DiversityJobs

DiversityJobs helps employers connect with underrepresented candidates, including women, veterans, people of color, LGBTQ+ professionals, and individuals with disabilities. Its woman-owned leadership ensures a lived understanding of the importance of inclusion. As a government contractor, it has proven its ability to support agencies committed to building diverse workforces while maintaining compliance.

Circa

Circa (formerly LocalJobNetwork) specializes in compliance-driven recruitment solutions. It provides tools that help employers meet Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action requirements, in addition to distributing jobs to targeted communities. As a WOSB with government contracting experience, Circa demonstrates how a focus on compliance and inclusion can translate into tangible hiring outcomes.

Professional Diversity Network (PDN)

Professional Diversity Network operates a family of diversity-focused job boards that connect employers with talent from historically underrepresented groups. Its status as a woman-owned small business and contractor reinforces its ability to partner with public-sector employers while also serving the broader private market.

The Bigger Picture

Highlighting these platforms matters because the job board industry has often been criticized for being too employer-centric and too homogenous at the leadership level. WOSBs break that mold. They prove that women entrepreneurs can build successful technology platforms, win government business, and set new standards for what recruiting solutions look like.

As more employers and agencies seek out partners who align with their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, the importance of WOSB job boards will only grow. And for job seekers, these platforms serve as a reminder that opportunity doesn’t just come from the biggest names—it often comes from the companies that are purpose-driven, agile, and committed to leveling the playing field.