8a Business Development Program

The 8a Business Development Program was designed to support small businesses owned by individuals who have been socially and economically disadvantaged. Small business owners that meet the qualifications enjoy significant benefits to grow their business.

Program Benefits

• Compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts in the 8a business development program.
• Get a Business Opportunity Specialist to help navigate federal contracting
• Form joint ventures with established businesses through the SBA's mentor-protégé program
• Small business 8a certification will help you receive management and technical assistance, including business training, counseling, marketing assistance, and high-level executive development.

Qualifications

• Be a small business
• Not already have participated in the 8a business development program.
• Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged
• Be owned by someone whose personal net worth is $750,000 or less
• Be owned by someone whose average adjusted gross income for three years is $350,000 or less
• Be owned by someone with $6 million or less in assets
• Have the owner manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
• Have all its principals demonstrate good character
• Show potential for success and be able to perform successfully on contracts