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Business · Certifications

SBA 8(a) Business Development

Offered by SBA

Open year-roundApply anytime. Applications are reviewed as they come in.

About

About This Program

SBA's 8(a) program gives small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people up to nine years of help winning federal contracts.

SBA's 8(a) Business Development program helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people compete for federal contracts. Certified firms can compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts (sole-source awards of up to $8.5 million for manufacturing and $5.5 million for other work), get one-on-one help from an SBA Business Opportunity Specialist, join the SBA Mentor-Protégé program, form joint ventures, get federal surplus property on a priority basis and take free Empower to Grow training. Certification lasts up to nine years: four development years and five transitional years. A business and its owners can take part only once. SBA suggests meeting with the SBA Georgia District Office or an APEX Accelerator counselor first to see if you are ready. To apply, identify your primary NAICS codes, register in SAM.gov and apply at SBA Certifications; SBA decides within 90 days of a complete application.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

Small business under SBA size standards
At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged
Owners with personal net worth of $850,000 or less, adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less and total assets of $6.5 million or less
Good character
Potential for success, such as two years in business
Has not been in the 8(a) program before

Area served: State of Georgia

The offer

What's Offered

Set-aside and sole-source federal contracts
One-on-one help from an SBA Business Opportunity Specialist for up to nine years
Access to the SBA Mentor-Protégé program and joint ventures
Priority for federal surplus property
Free Empower to Grow training

Amount: Sole-source contracts up to $8.5 million (manufacturing) or $5.5 million (other)

Cost: Free to apply online through SBA Certifications

Get ready