The 8a Certification Program - What You Need to Know

Small businesses strive to create jobs, spur innovation, boost America's global competitiveness, and expand the economy. GSA has partnered with the Small Company Administration (SBA) to recognize the impact of outstanding small business owners from across the country.

The SBA's 8a certification program, which helps provide a level playing field for small enterprises owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, is an important resource for small businesses. The government restricts participation in the 8a Business Development program from competing for certain contracts.

In the 8a certification program, disadvantaged enterprises can:

·       Compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts.

·       Hire a Business Opportunity Specialist to assist you in navigating the federal contracting process.

·       Through the SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program, form joint ventures with established businesses.

·       Get managerial and technical help, such as business training, counseling, marketing help, and high-level executive development.

Eligibility

Follow this eligibility checklist to see if you qualify for the 8(a) program:

  • Be a little company
  • Have never taken part in the 8a certification program before
  • Be owned and controlled by at least 51% of U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
  • Have a personal net worth of $750K or less, a gross income of $350K or less, and assets of $6 million or less.
  • Demonstrate good character and the ability to follow through on contracts.

How to achieve success with your 8a certification

Selling to the federal government is enticing; when spending reaches a trillion dollars, the possibilities seem endless. Businesses are drawn to government contracting because of the length and durability of the contracts. The government contracting field is also quite competitive for the same reasons. Finding ways to set your small business apart in this crowded market can be difficult, but socially and economically disadvantaged businesses can flourish with the support of the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development program. Congratulations if you meet the requirements and have gotten your 8a certification. Your quest has begun, and the clock is ticking. Pay heed to this advice if your company is considering the 8a certification; even if you don't have the certification, you will benefit from it.

No one has or will provide you with advice on how to start or stop marketing!

You've been marketing your business since the beginning. You must be doing something correctly because you didn't qualify for the 8a Business Development program otherwise. You should already have a business development and marketing plan in place when you get your 8a status. Continue doing what you were doing; you now have an additional differentiation to help you stand apart. New 8a businesses should pursue a two-track growth plan.

Relationships are crucial to any 8a company's success - hint! Relationships must be nurtured.

This recommendation is especially important for companies who have not yet applied for their 8(a) accreditation. But it's not too late if you already have your 8a certification. Building a robust network of companies that do exactly what you do is the greatest approach to exploit your socioeconomic certification status. We're asking you to 'befriend thy competitor,' yes, you read that correctly.

There are no 'only' competitors or 'only' comrades in government contracts. It's the nature of government contracting that your team collaborates on one offer and competes on another. As a result, you'll want to cultivate a connection with the companies that will pursue the same leads as you — albeit on a much larger scale – based on mutual respect and trust.

At the SBA's Certify website, you can get a preliminary assessment of whether the 8a program is suited for you.

Before you may join in the 8a Business Development program, you must be certified.SBA.gov website, you can apply for the 8a certification program.

Our ability to stay in touch with the small business community will be critical to our success. We will continue to provide outreach, such as workshops and training seminars, to assist small businesses in navigating the federal procurement process and contributing to our country's economic recovery.

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