Free tool
8(a) Certification Eligibility Checker
Thinking about 8(a) certification? Answer four quick questions and Sam will tell you, in plain English, whether the SBA 8(a) program is worth pursuing — and the exact next step. No login, instant results.
8(a) certification, explained
The 8(a) Business Development programis one of the most valuable set-asides in federal contracting — it opens sole-source awards you can win without a competition. But the eligibility rules are strict and document-heavy. This checker walks you through the core tests so you know whether it's worth applying before you invest the time.
- What is the 8(a) program?
- 8(a) is the SBA's nine-year Business Development program for small firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Certified firms can win sole-source and competitive set-aside contracts reserved for 8(a) participants, plus mentorship and access to a dedicated SBA business opportunity specialist.
- Who qualifies?
- Your firm must be small for its primary NAICS, at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially AND economically disadvantaged individuals who are US citizens, and the disadvantaged owner must meet the economic limits (net worth under $850K, AGI under $400K averaged over three years, and total assets under $6.5M, after exclusions). SBA also looks for good character and a track record — generally two years in business, though that can be waived.
- What does it cost?
- Applying through certify.SBA.gov is free — there is no government application fee. Costs, if any, come from optional outside help preparing the application. Certification lasts the nine-year program term with annual reviews.
Check your 8(a) eligibility
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