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The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program provides tremendous opportunities for small, disadvantaged businesses. 8(a) certification opens up a wide range of government contracting, training, and other benefits for emerging companies.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of getting SBA 8(a) certified, step-by-step
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Overview of 8(a) program benefits
- SBA 8(a) eligibility requirements
- How to prepare your 8(a) application
- Submitting your application on certify.sba.gov
- Tips for getting certified on the first try
- Maintaining your 8(a) certification
Let’s get started on the path to securing 8(a) certification for your small business!
Why Get 8(a) Certified?
The 8(a) program provides small, disadvantaged businesses with amazing benefits, including:
- Access to set-aside government contracts
- One-on-one business development assistance
- Eligibility for mentor-protégé programs with larger firms
- Expert support in government contracting
- Specialized trainings and workshops
8(a) gives you a major leg up in entering and expanding in the lucrative federal marketplace. Certification also boosts your credibility and value when bidding on public sector contracts.
Overview of SBA 8(a) Eligibility
To qualify for 8(a) certification, your business must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Operate as a small business per SBA size standards
- Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged
- Demonstrate potential for success
The 8(a) applicant must also be a U.S. citizen, not exceed personal net worth and income limits, and show their disadvantage has impacted their business progress.
Socially disadvantaged groups include Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, and under certain circumstances, other minorities.
Preparing a Winning 8(a) Application
Thorough preparation is key to getting your 8(a) application approved on the first attempt. Here are some tips:
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Get your finances in order – Have clear financial statements ready to submit. This includes profit/loss statements, balance sheets, income statements, and business tax returns.
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Check NAICS codes – Accurately identify your 6-digit NAICS industry codes to match your business to contracting opportunities.
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Write your narrative – Concisely explain how social disadvantage has impacted your progress in business and in your industry.
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Gather documents – Have all required documents ready for upload based on your business structure – sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation.
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Review the process – Understand the 8(a) application process and timeline by reading SBA guidance. Being prepared avoids delays.
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Get local assistance – Work with an SBA District Office or SCORE mentor to position your 8(a) application for quick approval.
Laying the groundwork upfront ensures your 8(a) application has the best shot on the first submission.
Submitting Your 8(a) Application on certify.sba.gov
All 8(a) applications must be submitted electronically through the certify.sba.gov website. Here are the steps:
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Register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM) and get your unique entity ID.
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Create an account on certify.sba.gov using the same email as your SAM registration.
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Enter the requested information on your business and submit the required documents.
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Complete your personal social disadvantage narrative.
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Carefully review your full 8(a) application before submitting.
Once submitted, SBA will assess if your application is complete and process it within 90 days. Check periodically for status updates on certify.sba.gov.
Tips for Getting Certified on the First Try
Since an incomplete application causes delays, follow these tips to get certified on your first attempt:
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Leave no blanks – thoroughly complete all sections.
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Use the checklist – confirm you’ve submitted all required documents.
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Review the tips guide – avoid common mistakes upfront.
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Ask for help – if needed, get assistance from SBA resource partners.
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Check your NAICS codes – precisely match your industry areas.
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Verify disadvantaged status – ensure you qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged.
With diligent preparation and closely following SBA guidance, you can get your 8(a) certification issued without having to resubmit!
Maintaining Your 8(a) Certification
Once approved for 8(a) certification, ongoing eligibility must be maintained:
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Complete annual reviews – submit updated financial data each year.
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Renew SAM registration – keep your SAM profile current annually.
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Retain disadvantaged status – report any changes in ownership or finances.
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Comply with rules – adhere to all program terms to avoid early exit.
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Graduate after 9 years – transition out of 8(a) once your term concludes.
Staying organized and promptly providing requested information for annual reviews ensures your 8(a) certification remains valid.
Let SBA Help Grow Your Business
This powerful program enables small businesses to accelerate growth. Be sure to leverage all the amazing resources 8(a) offers to drive your small business federal contracting success.
The application process may seem daunting, but following SBA guidance and seeking assistance will get your 8(a) certification approved. Contact your local SBA office if you have any questions.
Now go get certified and start accessing those set-aside contracts!
Pros and cons of the SBA 8(a) certification
Although the 8(a) program does have a lengthy application process and limits what businesses qualify, the benefits of joining will likely outweigh the time it takes to apply.
- Exclusive federal contracts. Participating in the 8(a) program will make your business eligible for sole source and set-aside contracts with the government.
- One-on-one development assistance. The 8(a) program gives your business access to experts in compliance and regulations and one-on-one assistance.
- Management and technical assistance training. Businesses in the 8(a) program can access the Management and Technical Assistance program, which provides training to make your business more competitive when applying for government contracts.
- Mentorship with established businesses. Through the SBA Mentor-Protégé program, your business can access advice from experienced government contractors.
- Continual development assistance. Although the SBA considers only the first four years a development stage, you will have access to development and transition help over the entire nine-year program.
- Lengthy application process. You must submit the usual business documents, register with the federal government and provide a variety of forms and information to confirm your eligibility.
- Limited eligibility. Your small business must meet SBA size standards in addition to meeting other certification requirements to qualify for the 8(a) program.
- One-time eligibility. The SBA only allows businesses to certify and participate in the program once. After your business has completed the nine-year development term, it will need to pursue other options.
- Annual review required. Your business — and its owners — must continue to meet the eligibility criteria every year. This is done by re-certifying, which will require time and paperwork.
What is the SBA 8(a) program?
At least 5 percent of all federal contracts go toward small disadvantaged businesses each year. The 8(a) Business Development program is designed by the SBA to help businesses secure these government contracts, giving your business an edge when competing for contracts under any U.S. agency or department.
To qualify, a business must be at least 51 percent owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged people. These are defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
- Socially disadvantaged individuals “have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. The social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control.”
- Economically disadvantaged individuals are “socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same or similar line of business who are not socially disadvantaged.”
Your business must be certified by the SBA before you can participate. If each owner qualifies and the business meets other requirements, it will give your business preference for government contracts.
The 8(a) program lasts nine years. The first four years are a developmental stage to build your business and train owners, and the last five years are a transitional stage to help you maintain momentum once the program ends.
Your business will have access to training and technical assistance during the 8(a) program, including assistance for management, technical, financial and procurement issues. There is also one-on-one development assistance from the federal government and mentorship from established firms through the SBA Mentor-Protégé program.
The SBA 8(a) Definitive Guide for Government Contracting | UPDATED
What is the SBA 8(a) program?
What is the SBA 8 (a) program? The SBA 8 (a) Business Development program helps socially and economically disadvantaged small-business owners secure coveted government contracts. Through the nine-year program, members can also access training and technical, financial and management assistance to help their business grow and compete for contracts.
How do I apply for the SBA 8(a) program?
To qualify for the SBA 8 (a) program, applying businesses must first meet the SBA’s definition of a small business. (You can use the SBA’s online Size Standards Tool to learn more.) Applicants must be U.S. citizens, and the SBA will also take into account more qualitative factors, such as character and potential for success.
What are the benefits of an SBA 8(a) certification?
In addition to the financial incentives, there are other benefits to earning an SBA 8 (a) certification. These include: 8 (a) business owners can receive personalized assistance from business opportunity specialists to help them grow their companies and achieve their business goals. These business owners can also enter an SBA mentorship program.
How long can a business participate in the SBA 8(a) program?
A business can participate in the SBA 8 (a) program for nine years. An organization’s participation in the program usually consists of four years in a developmental stage and five years in a transitional stage. Is it free to apply for an SBA 8 (a) certification?
