The U.S. government spends about $23 billion annually with small businesses, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) created the 8(a) Business Development Program to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal procurement marketplace. In 2012, the last fiscal year on record, 8(a) participants captured more than $15.8 billion in contracting dollars.
Through the nine-year program, firms can develop and grow through one-on-one counseling, training workshops, and management and technical guidance provided by the SBA and its partners. Firms also gain unique access to the federal marketplace, SBA-guaranteed loans, and bonding assistance. Moreover, the SBA monitors business involvement in the program to ensure that they are on track to meet their development and growth goals.
To become a certified 8(a) firm, a small business must be 51 percent owned by an individual or individuals who are members minority groups considered to be socially disadvantaged, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans. Firms owned by Alaska Native Corporations, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Community Development Corporations are also eligible to participate in the program.
If you are interested in learning more about the 8(a) Business Development Program, visit the http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/8a-business-development-program or contact the SBA at 8aquestions@sba.gov.
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