8(a) Business Development program
The 8(a) Business Development program is a nine-year SBA program for small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S.
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Definition
The 8(a) Business Development program is a nine-year SBA program for small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens. Participants compete for 8(a) set-asides and can receive sole-source awards up to $8.5 million for manufacturing and $5.5 million for other work.
Each disadvantaged owner must have personal net worth under $850,000, average adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less and total assets of $6.5 million or less. A rule effective September 10, 2026 ended the presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned firms.
How it differs
- 01
vs. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
DBE is a U.S. Department of Transportation program for federally funded transportation work, certified by states; 8(a) is SBA's program for federal contracts. What is DBE?
- 02
vs. HUBZone
HUBZone depends on location, not on the owners' disadvantage. What is HUBZone?
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Questions
What does 8(a) mean in procurement?
The 8(a) Business Development program is a nine-year SBA program for small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens. Participants compete for 8(a) set-asides and can receive sole-source awards up to $8.5 million for manufacturing and $5.5 million for other work.
What is the difference between 8(a) and DBE?
DBE is a U.S. Department of Transportation program for federally funded transportation work, certified by states; 8(a) is SBA's program for federal contracts.
What is the difference between 8(a) and HUBZone?
HUBZone depends on location, not on the owners' disadvantage.