The 8(a) Business Development program is SBA's nine-year program for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people. It gives access to contracts set aside only for 8(a) firms, including sole-source awards that skip open competition, plus business development help.
Who qualifies
- Small under the SBA size standard for your main NAICS code (check with the size standards lookup).
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
- Economic disadvantage limits for each qualifying owner: personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding the business and primary residence), average adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less over three years, and total assets of $6.5 million or less.
- Potential for success: usually two years in business in your main industry, though SBA can waive this.
- Good character of the owners and the firm.
SBA's rules on who counts as socially disadvantaged have changed through court decisions and policy updates in recent years, so check SBA's current guidance before applying.
What it gets you
- Contracts set aside for 8(a) firms, competed only among participants.
- Sole-source contracts up to set dollar limits, without competition.
- Joint ventures and mentor-protégé relationships with larger firms.
- A business development officer and training.
The program lasts up to nine years; plan to win non-8(a) work too so you're ready when you graduate.
How to apply
- Register in SAM.gov.
- Apply through SBA's free online certification system (MySBA Certifications).
- Upload tax returns, financial statements, ownership documents and narratives as requested.
- Answer SBA's follow-up questions. Reviews take time; your local APEX Accelerator or SBDC can help for free.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the 8(a) program?
Up to nine years.
Is 8(a) certification free?
Yes. Applying to SBA is free.
Can an 8(a) firm still bid on other contracts?
Yes. 8(a) firms can bid on small-business set-asides and open competitions too.
Find open 8(a) set-asides on our contracts board (filter "Who can bid"), or read set-asides explained.