The U.S. Small Business Administration administers several certification
programs that provide access to federal contracting opportunities. Programs include 8(a),
HUBZone, WOSB, and EDWOSB certifications.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Federal Agency
Nationwide
Verified
Federal Recognition
Certification Cost
Free
Processing Time
90-180 days
Renewal
Annual recertification (Free)
About SBA
Certifications Issued
U.S. Small Business Administration issues the following diversity certifications:
Eligibility Requirements
Ownership Requirement
Varies by program - see eligibility
8(a): 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
HUBZone: 51% owned by U.S. citizens and principal office in HUBZone area.
WOSB: 51% owned by women who are U.S. citizens.
EDWOSB: Same as WOSB plus economically disadvantaged.
History
The SBA was created in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist and protect
the interests of small business concerns. The 8(a) program was created in 1968.
Member Benefits
Certified businesses gain access to federal set-aside contracts,
sole-source contracting opportunities, mentor-protégé programs, and SBA-backed lending programs.
Recognition & Acceptance
SBA certifications are required for federal contracting
set-aside programs. These certifications provide access to billions of dollars in
federal contract opportunities annually.
Recognized for federal government contracting
Corporate Programs Accepting This Certification
10+ companies accept certifications from SBA:
