Corporate Program
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Diversity Goal
Administers federal 23% goal
Annual Diverse Spend
Manages $150B+ in small business contracts
Certifications Accepted
1
Supplier Portal
Visit ↗Program overview
How U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s supplier diversity program works.
The SBA doesn't buy products/services directly, but administers the key certification programs that give small businesses advantages in federal contracting:
Key SBA Programs:
- 8(a) Business Development Program (9-year program with sole-source contracts)
- HUBZone Program (for businesses in underserved areas)
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB) certification referral
- All Small Mentor-Protégé Program
SBA also operates Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) that provide free counseling.
Accepted certifications
Which certifications U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes.
To register on U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s supplier portal as a diverse supplier, you need to hold at least one of the certifications below. Each link goes to the full guide for that certification: eligibility rules, application steps, and the issuing body.
Categories of spend
What U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sources from diverse suppliers.
Registration process
How to register as a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) supplier.
8(a) Program:
1. Apply through certify.sba.gov
2. Must be 51% owned by socially & economically disadvantaged individuals
3. Processing time: 90-180 days
4. FREE to apply
HUBZone:
1. Principal office must be in a HUBZone
2. 35% of employees must live in HUBZones
3. Apply through certify.sba.gov
From the procurement team
What U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) buyers look for.
- 8(a) certification is extremely valuable - sole source up to $4M for services
- HUBZone can be combined with other certifications
- Use PTACs - they're free and incredibly helpful
- Consider joint ventures to meet contract requirements
- SBA bonds program can help you get surety bonds
Matchmaking events
Where to meet U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) buyers in person.
National Small Business Week events and regional training
Other buyers like this one
Corporate programs sourcing in similar categories.
Before you apply
Confirm certification before registering with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s supplier portal requires a current diverse-business certification at registration. The quiz cross-checks which certifications U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) accepts against the ones your business qualifies for, so you don't waste time pursuing a certification this buyer won't recognize.