SBA 8(a) Program Guide
The 8(a) Business Development Program is one of the most powerful tools for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners — including Indigenous-owned businesses — to access federal contracts and business development support.
What 8(a) certification unlocks
Sole-source contracts
Agencies can award contracts up to $4.5M (goods/services) or $7M (manufacturing) directly to 8(a) participants without competition.
Competitive set-asides
Only 8(a) participants can compete for set-aside contracts, dramatically reducing competition and increasing win rates.
Business development support
SBA assigns a Business Opportunity Specialist to help you navigate federal contracting and connect with agencies.
Nine-year program term
Participants benefit from 4-year developmental and 5-year transitional stages with full 8(a) contracting access throughout.
Tribal 8(a) — Expanded benefits for Native-owned businesses
Businesses owned by Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), and Community Development Corporations are eligible for expanded 8(a) benefits — including sole-source contracts with no dollar limit. Tribal 8(a) participants can receive unlimited sole-source awards in both the developmental and transitional stages of the program.
Do you qualify?
- 51%+ owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
- Owner must be a U.S. citizen
- Owner's personal net worth must be under $750,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity)
- Owner's adjusted gross income must average under $350,000 over 3 years
- Owner must demonstrate good character
- Business must show potential for success (generally 2+ years in business)
- Must meet SBA small business size standards for your NAICS code
Application timeline
The SBA processes 8(a) applications within 90 days for complete submissions. Gathering documentation is typically the longest phase — plan for 4–8 weeks to prepare a thorough package before submitting.
Applications are submitted through certify.SBA.gov. You must be registered in SAM.gov before applying.
Find 8(a)-eligible grants in your database
FoundHer filters grants specifically for 8(a) participants and tribal-owned businesses. See your matches in minutes.
Create Free Account