Startup USA Guide
Part B · Startup-relevant scheme

8(a) Business Development Program (8(a) BD)

Small Business Administration

Market Access Growth / ScalingMarket Access & IP

8(a) is structured as a 4-year development stage followed by a 5-year transition stage, designed to build a small business's ability to compete in federal contracting over time rather than just certifying it for set-asides.

Type of support
Market Access
Best suited for
Growth / Market Access
Headline amount
Sole-source contracts up to $7M
How much
Sole-source up to $4.5-7M
Source
SBA — 8(a) Business Development eligibility ↗

Objectives

Help socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners overcome historic barriers to participating in federal contracting.

Who can apply?

  • Small business under SBA size standards; at least 51% owned/controlled by a US citizen who is socially and economically disadvantaged.
  • Personal net worth under $850,000, adjusted gross income under $400,000, assets under $6.5 million.
  • In business for a demonstrated period showing potential for success; Alaska Native corporations, CDCs, tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations are also eligible.
  • Cannot have previously participated in the 8(a) program.

What do you get?

  • Sole-source contracts up to $7M (manufacturing) or $4.5M (services).
  • Structured business-development training and technical assistance throughout the 9-year term.
  • Access to the SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program.

How to apply

Apply through SBA's certification portal (certify.sba.gov) after registering in SAM.gov.

Go to official portal