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SBA
8(a) |
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 The
SBA administers two business
assistance programs for
small disadvantaged businesses.
These programs are the 8(a)
Business Development Program
and the Small Disadvantaged
Business Certification Program.
While the 8(a) Program offers
a broad scope of assistance
to socially and economically
disadvantaged firms, SDB
certification strictly pertains
to benefits in federal procurement.
8(a) firms automatically
qualify for SDB certification.
Companies which are 8(a)
firms automatically qualify
for SDB certification.
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 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. SBA
has helped thousands of
aspiring entrepreneurs over
the years to gain a foothold
in government contracting.
Participation is divided
into two phases over nine
years: a four-year developmental
stage and a five-year transition
stage. In fiscal year 1998,
more than 6,100 firms participated
in the 8(a) Program and
were awarded $6.4 billion
in Federal contract awards.
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