8a to 5 scale. What is an 8 (a) Certification? The 8 (a) Program is an ownership diversity campaign designed by the SBA to assist organizations that are 51 percent owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Jun 17, 2025 · To qualify for the 8 (a) program, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria: 8 (a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. . Each year, the federal government’s goal is to award at least 5% of all prime contracts to small disadvantaged businesses, which include 8 (a) Program participants. This guide will explain the basics of the 8a program, steps towards 8a certification, and how small businesses can leverage 8a certification to grow their government business. Oct 7, 2024 · What is the SBA 8 (a) program? While the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of government-backed business loans, the 8 (a) program is different. The 8 (a) program is a robust nine-year program created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Other statutory requirements call for the various federal agencies to devote set amounts of their budgets to buying from women-owned businesses, companies owned by service-disabled veterans and others. The certification is intended for businesses that are owned and operated at least 51% by SBA-deemed socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Oct 29, 2023 · 8 (a) certification is a diversity ownership certification issued by the Small Business Association (SBA) of America. The first four years are considered a development stage and the last five years are considered a transitional stage. Oct 18, 2017 · Participating in the 8 (a) Program opens several doors to success. Primarily, the 8 (a) Aug 20, 2023 · Federal law requires 23% of those orders to go to small business sellers. To receive new 8 (a) contracts, an individual-owned 8 (a) participant firm that previously relied on the presumption of social disadvantage to support eligibility will now need to submit a social disadvantage narrative to re-establish eligibility. Shows your company has “lasting potential” in the industry and financial stability. Jun 17, 2025 · To qualify for the 8 (a) program, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria: 8 (a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. As an 8 (a) certified business, you are visible to contracting officers as a small business and Minority certified, so the pool for set-aside contracts is smaller, which maximizes your ability to receive no bid contract under $25,000. vbrkg jxraehym tskpndq mit mvqd jxtw azejyr tbshr rwbjlpt enetyt