What is the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program?

The Small Business Administration's 8(a) Program was created in 1974 to help minority and other disadvantaged businesses to grow through a program of federal contracting preferences and set-asides. Through the program, eligible firms can be awarded federal government contracts on a sole-source or non-competitive basis. Contracts up to $5M for manufacturing and up to $3M for just about everything else are available to you under these non-competition basis. In addition to this, you will also be eligible for participation in limited competitions where your competitors will be other companies like your own and not the "big guys." It is also critical to remember that as an 8(a)BD contractor, you shall also be automatically certified as an SDB program participant.

The Federal government sets aside over $6 billion in contracts for 8(a) certified firms each year. But in spite of this, many eligible minority-owned businesses fail to take advantage of this lucrative program because they are put off by the difficulty of the application process. Until now that was true, EZCertify's software and services accelerate and simplify the process of small business applying and being accepted for the SBA's 8(a) program.

Today’s 8(a) Business Development Program is strengthened and improved to be a truly effective business development vehicle. New regulations permit 8(a) companies to form beneficial teaming partnerships and allow Federal agencies to streamline the contracting process. New rules make it easier for non-minority firms to participate by proving their social disadvantage. The SBA has also implemented the new Mentor-Protégé Program to allow starting 8(a) companies to learn the ropes from experienced businesses.

The new and improved 8(a) Program has become an essential instrument for helping socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to the economic mainstream of American society. Participation is divided into two phases over nine years: a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage. In fiscal year 2000, more than 5,400 firms participated in the 8(a) Program and were awarded $5.8 billion in Federal contract awards.

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