• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

• The owner’s personal net worth must be under $850,000.

• The owner’s adjusted gross income must be less than $400,000.

• The business must have been operational for at least two years and actively operating, as demonstrated by contracts and tax returns.

• The business must operate independently, and the owner must contribute capital or expertise.

• Owners must be U.S. citizens.

Access to federal set-aside and sole-source contracts.

Personalized support from SBA specialists.

Participate in the Mentor-Protégé program to gain guidance and resources from established firms.

Connect with procurement experts and business leaders to expand your opportunities.

Access to specialized business training and educational resources.

Businesses can stay in the SBA 8(a) program for up to nine years—four years in the developmental stage and five in the transitional stage.

We manage the entire process, from eligibility analysis to document preparation, submission, and follow-up, ensuring your application is smooth and efficient.

If the SBA requests additional information, you will need to provide the requested documents or clarifications promptly. Failure to do so may delay the review process or result in denial of your application.

Common reasons for denial include failure to meet eligibility criteria, incomplete or inaccurate documentation, issues with business control and ownership, or insufficient evidence of the business’s potential for success.

Yes, SBA 8(a) certification can improve access to capital by making your business more attractive to lenders and investors. Additionally, it may provide eligibility for SBA loan programs with favorable terms.

8(a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. The first four years are considered a development stage and the last five years are considered a transitional stage. Continuation in the program is dependent on staying in compliance with program requirements.

Generally, a business must be in operation for at least two years to be eligible for SBA 8(a) certification.

The Mentor-Protégé Program allows certified 8(a) firms to partner with more experienced businesses (mentors) to gain valuable guidance, resources, and expertise. This partnership can enhance business capabilities and growth potential.

The process can take several months. On average, it may take 90 to 120 days from the submission of a complete application to receive a decision, though it can vary based on individual circumstances.

Certified firms must submit annual updates to their information, including financial statements and business activities, to maintain their certification status and comply with SBA requirements.

No, an 8(a) certified business must be privately owned.

Notify the SBA of any significant changes in business structure, ownership, or management immediately. Failure to report changes could affect your certification status.

SBA 8(a) certification allows your business to compete for exclusive set-aside and sole-source contracts, which means fewer competitors and increased opportunities for winning government contracts.

• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

• The owner’s personal net worth must be under $850,000.

• The owner’s adjusted gross income must be less than $400,000.

• The business must have been operational for at least two years and actively operating, as demonstrated by contracts and tax returns.

• The business must operate independently, and the owner must contribute capital or expertise.

• Owners must be U.S. citizens.

Access to federal set-aside and sole-source contracts.

Personalized support from SBA specialists.

Participate in the Mentor-Protégé program to gain guidance and resources from established firms.

Connect with procurement experts and business leaders to expand your opportunities.

Access to specialized business training and educational resources.

Businesses can stay in the SBA 8(a) program for up to nine years—four years in the developmental stage and five in the transitional stage.

We manage the entire process, from eligibility analysis to document preparation, submission, and follow-up, ensuring your application is smooth and efficient.

If the SBA requests additional information, you will need to provide the requested documents or clarifications promptly. Failure to do so may delay the review process or result in denial of your application.

Common reasons for denial include failure to meet eligibility criteria, incomplete or inaccurate documentation, issues with business control and ownership, or insufficient evidence of the business’s potential for success.

Yes, SBA 8(a) certification can improve access to capital by making your business more attractive to lenders and investors. Additionally, it may provide eligibility for SBA loan programs with favorable terms.

8(a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. The first four years are considered a development stage and the last five years are considered a transitional stage. Continuation in the program is dependent on staying in compliance with program requirements.

Generally, a business must be in operation for at least two years to be eligible for SBA 8(a) certification.

The Mentor-Protégé Program allows certified 8(a) firms to partner with more experienced businesses (mentors) to gain valuable guidance, resources, and expertise. This partnership can enhance business capabilities and growth potential.

The process can take several months. On average, it may take 90 to 120 days from the submission of a complete application to receive a decision, though it can vary based on individual circumstances.

Certified firms must submit annual updates to their information, including financial statements and business activities, to maintain their certification status and comply with SBA requirements.

No, an 8(a) certified business must be privately owned.

Notify the SBA of any significant changes in business structure, ownership, or management immediately. Failure to report changes could affect your certification status.

SBA 8(a) certification allows your business to compete for exclusive set-aside and sole-source contracts, which means fewer competitors and increased opportunities for winning government contracts.