A Proper Justification Regarding SBA 8a Application Process

When someone says a company has 8a certification, this basically means that this business applied for the SBA 8a application Program and was recognized eligible for the 8a certification by the government as it matches all the prerequisites of this SBA program.

Before we proceed to the 8a certification, let’s review what the SBA 8a Program is.

What is the SBA 8a Business Development Program ?

The SBA 8a application Program is the governmental program run by Small Business Administration (SBA) to lend a hand to small disadvantaged businesses in receiving governmental contracts. Specifically, the annual goal of the Gov’t is to award at least 5% of all contracts to such companies.

What does ‘disadvantaged business’ really mean? Disadvantaged business is an organization which is unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more individuals that are defined by SBA as socially and economically disadvantaged.

Such individuals are either members of certain groups, for instance, African Americans, Native Americans, or Hispanic Americans, or are experiencing social disadvantage based on race, origin, gender, physical abilities and so on. In addition, such individuals must also have no economical advantage. Please see the exact 8a certification eligibility requirements further on.

8a Program benefits with proper SBA 8a application

Getting into the SBA 8a Program and qualifying for 8a certification requirements can end up being extremely lucrative. Specifically, small businesses owned and ruled by disadvantaged individuals receive certain privileges when submitting an SBA 8a program application. Such businesses can win set-aside governmental contracts (which means low competition limited to small businesses only) as well as sole-source contracts (which means virtually no competition).

Another privilege is a dedicated Business Opportunity Specialist provided by SBA to guide you through the entire process of SBA 8a application. There are also several training programs, as well as marketing and technical assistance provided to disadvantaged businesses on the pro bono basis.

In conclusion, being an SBA 8a application certified business really pays off, so you definitely want to attempt to apply for 8a certification.