SBA 8 (A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Category: Federal

The federal government's goal is to award at least 5 percent of all federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses each year.

Content

• Program benefits
• 8(a) program qualifications
• Get certified as an 8(a) small business
• Mentor-Protégé program changes

Program Benefits

To help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program.

Disadvantaged businesses in the 8(a) program can:

• Compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts in the program
• Get a Business Opportunity Specialist to help navigate federal contracting
• Form joint ventures with established businesses through the SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program
• Receive management and technical assistance, including business training, counseling, marketing assistance, and high-level executive development

You can compete for contract awards under multiple socio-economic programs, as they apply.

8(a) Program Qualifications

Effective July 15, 2020, to qualify for the 8(a) program, follow this eligibility checklist:

• Be a small business
• Not have previously participated in the 8(a) program
• Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged
• Have a personal net worth of $750K or less, adjusted gross income of $350K or less and $6 million or less in assets
• Demonstrate good character and potential to perform on contracts
   

The federal government fully defines who qualifies for the 8(a) program—including what counts as being socially and economically disadvantaged—in Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). You can also get a preliminary assessment of whether the 8(a) program is right for you at the SBA’s Certify website.

Get Certified as an 8(a) Small Business

Before you can participate in the 8(a) Business Development program, you must be certified.

To apply for the 8(a) Business Development program, simply use the certify.SBA.gov website. You’ll need to have a profile at SAM.gov before you can use the certification website. The information you’ll need to provide will vary based on your business structure and whether you’re already participating in other SBA programs. Please refer to the Certify Knowledge Base for tips and helpful resources before you apply.

You’ll be notified if your application was approved or not. If you’re accepted into the program, your profile in the Dynamic Small Business Search will show your approval date and exit date for the program.

Your certification will last for a maximum of nine years. You'll need to complete annual reviews to maintain your good standing in the program.