SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
A business development and federal contracting program for eligible small, disadvantaged businesses. [SBA certification programs]
U.S. Small Business Administration. Federal program. Official program information
Sources reviewed .
Use the current application and October 2026 guidance. Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations and community development corporations are exempt from the social-disadvantage showing for entity-owned firms. [SBA 8(a) October 2026 guidance]
Who qualifies
Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens; separate rules cover eligible entity-owned firms. [SBA certification programs]
- Meet SBA size standards, demonstrate good character and potential for success, and generally have two years in business. The firm cannot have participated previously. [SBA certification programs]
- Qualifying owners must meet SBA economic-disadvantage limits: $850,000 personal net worth, $400,000 three-year average adjusted gross income and $6.5 million in assets, with SBA exclusions. [SBA certification programs]
- Individually owned applicants must provide objective evidence of group discrimination, attest to membership at the time and show resulting material harm. SBA replaced the former subjective narrative standard on September 10, 2026. [SBA 8(a) October 2026 guidance]
Cost
A certification fee is not stated in the official sources reviewed. Ask the agency before applying. [SBA certification programs]
Processing time
SBA states 90 days after receiving a complete application. [SBA certification programs]
What it unlocks
- Eligibility for 8(a) set-aside and sole-source contracts, business development support and mentoring. [SBA certification programs]
How to apply
- Check the program requirements and assemble the ownership, business and financial records requested by SBA. [SBA certification programs] Read the application instructions.
- Create or sign in to your SBA Certifications account, select 8(a) and complete the application. [SBA Certifications] Open SBA Certifications.