8(a) Business Development Program

Objective

To foster business ownership by individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged; and to promote the competitive viability of such firms by providing business development and mentoring assistance including, but not limited to, management and technical assistance, access to capital and other forms of financial assistance, business training and counseling, and access to sole source and limited competition Federal contract opportunities, to help the firms to achieve competitive viability.

Who Can Apply

• Small Business Person

Firms applying for 8(a) program participation must meet certain requirements which include, but are not limited to: (a) Status as a small business; (b) at least 51 percent unconditional ownership, control and management of the business by an American citizen(s) determined by SBA to be socially and economically disadvantaged, or by an economically disadvantaged Indian Tribe, Alaska Native Corporation, Native Hawaiian Organization or Community Development Corporations; and (c) demonstrated potential for success; and (d) possess good character.

Who Benefits

• Small Business Person

Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and small businesses owned and operated by such individuals; Indian Tribe, Alaska Native Corporation, Native Hawaiian Organization and Community Development Corporations.

Assistance Types

• Other Non-Financial Assistance

Program Contact

8AQuestions@sba.gov
800-827-5722