Social Disadvantage
Compliance & LegalDefinition
A condition where individuals have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias that has affected their business opportunities.
More Information
Certain groups are presumed socially disadvantaged for programs like 8(a) and DBE, including Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans. Individuals not in presumed groups can claim social disadvantage based on specific experiences of discrimination.
Example
A woman business owner documents specific instances where gender bias affected her access to contracts and financing.