8a Certification is the term used for communally or economically underprivileged businesses who have gone through the application procedure along with the General Services Administration (GSA) and been awarded a GSA schedule contract. Once 8a certified, the 8a Business is then competent to take benefit of any number of contracts which the federal government has mandated can only be fulfilled by 8a businesses. These commanded contracts are recognized as "Small Business Set Asides." More distinctively, "8a Small Business Set Asides."
The focus of the program is to provide business development support, such as mentoring, procurement assistance, business counseling, training, financial assistance, surety bonding and other management and technical assistance. The goal, however, is to prepare small disadvantaged firms for procurement and other business opportunities.
• Must be a small business
• Must be unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and citizens of the United States
• Must demonstrate potential for success
The process for getting 8a Certification can be tedious and drawn out if not done correctly from the beginning. One reason for this comes from the way the federal government works. Just like any other business, the federal government would rather deal with people who are familiar with the application process than with people they are going to have to baby sit every step of the way. This process could and should have been significantly quicker if they had retained someone more familiar with the provedures from the beginning.
Webinars
Title:
SBA 8(a) Business Development Webinar
Description:
This webinar will go over who is eligible for the 8(a) program, the benefits of the program, as well as some of the secrets we have found that turn ordinary firms into top federal contractors.
Date:
Wednesday February 2nd 2022
Time:
2:00 PM EST
Duration:
45-50 minutes
You can register via this online form or give us a call and we can take down your information and have a link for the webinar emailed to you. Call 859-442-3300 and ask for Heidi
The 8(a) Certification is widely regarded as the most transformative certification a business can possess. Routinely businesses entering the program start with little to no federal sales experience and a few years into the program are selling millions of dollars’ worth. Like every other good deal there is a catch. The SBA has a very rigorous application process that according to the SBA’ historical averages only has a 25% approval rate, firms still know best practices for taking advantage of this program, and the program duration for its participants is only nine years.
This webinar is designed for both individuals that are totally new to hearing about the 8(a) program, but goes into enough detail where someone that has prior knowledge about 8(a) through federal contracting can still learn many of the intricacies of the program. If you have interest in the 8(a) program and would like to bring yourself up to speed this is a recommended webinar for you.
Account Manager
Joined ez8a in 2020 and has been consulting clients and hosting webinars due to her vast knowledge of certification qualifications. Emily currently works with our clients to uncover how to best position their company within the government contracting space, offering guidance and engagement with ez8a. Emily's expertise will help you determine what you qualify for and explain how that can benefit your small business.
