Eligibility Criteria and New Rules for SBA 8(a) Certification Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program offers unparalleled contracting opportunities, but the eligibility requirements are complicated and often misunderstood. In this course, Govology Faculty Instructor and Legal Analyst Steven Koprince explains the 8(a) Program eligibility requirements in plain English. If you’re thinking about applying to the 8(a) Program, or just curious what it would take to be admitted, this is the course for you.

After this course, you will:

• Understand the 8(a) Program’s social disadvantage requirements, including how a business owned by an individual who is not “presumed” socially disadvantaged may still qualify.
• Know the 8(a)’s economic disadvantage thresholds, which were adjusted in late 2022.
• Understand what “unconditional ownership” means in the context of the 8(a) Program.
• Understand how a business satisfies the “unconditional control” 8(a) Program requirement.
• Be aware of, and avoid, common misconceptions regarding 8(a) Program eligibility.

Target Audience: Small business contractors eligible to apply for a Small Business Certification