SBA Change in Size Standards – What does this Rule Change mean for IT
We are getting calls from many active clients who are upset about the SBAs proposed new rules radically changing the size standards for small businesses across the board however the IT firms feel most threatened. In case you are unaware the SBA is looking to change the size standards for small businesses. This is not […]
The Soon to be Missing 8(a) IT Firms (Looming Graduation Cliff)
The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program is designed as a temporary incubator, limiting a firm’s participation to a strict nine-year period. After this term, firms graduate from the program and lose eligibility for most 8(a) set-aside contracting benefits. Currently, there are 879 IT companies in the 8(a) program, collectively generating about $9.1 billion annually in […]
8a Certification 2026: Benefits, Requirements & How to Apply
For many small business owners, entering the federal contracting market can feel complicated. Finding the right opportunities is one challenge, but understanding where a small business fits within the federal procurement system can be just as difficult. The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to help eligible small businesses compete for federal contracts and […]
Why the First Four Years of 8(a) Matter So Much for Construction Companies
8(a) construction firms can do very well selling to the federal government, many having sales over $10MM per year. However, most get off to a slow start which affects current and built upon future sales. Therefore, we are going to go over how fast a firm can get out of the starting blocks faster! The […]
Why Construction Firms Need to Rethink the SBA 8(a) Program
Recent SBA rule changes regarding social disadvantage eligibility have expanded access to the 8(a) Business Development program. Under the updated guidelines, eligibility relies on proving individual social disadvantage through narrative evidence of past discrimination, opening the door for a broader range of business owners, including non-traditional applicants, who can demonstrate past economic or social barriers. […]
10 Year 8(a) Milestones – What to Track for with an 8(a) Certification
Back in college, I joined the rowing club. Since we didn’t have a formal coach, we relied on older students to teach us the ropes. Early on, I got frustrated because we struggled to “set” the boat, keeping the racing shell balanced so it didn’t rock back and forth, which makes rowing significantly harder. About […]
Where 8(a) Construction Firms Are Winning in Region 9 (AZ, CA, HI, NV)
Top Federal Construction Markets – REGION 9 (San Francisco) One of the fastest ways for an 8(a) construction company to grow is to become a trusted general contractor at one or two nearby federal installations. The most successful firms typically focus on a regional market, build relationships with local contracting offices, and develop a reputation […]
Where 8(a) Construction Firms Are Winning in Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE)
Top Federal Construction Markets – REGION 7 (Kansas City) One of the fastest ways for an 8(a) construction company to grow is to become a trusted general contractor at one or two nearby federal installations. The most successful firms typically focus on a regional market, build relationships with local contracting offices, and develop a reputation […]
Where 8(a) Construction Firms Are Winning in Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, WA)
Top Federal Construction Markets – REGION 10 (Seattle) One of the fastest ways for an 8(a) construction company to grow is to become a trusted general contractor at one or two nearby federal installations. The most successful firms typically focus on a regional market, build relationships with local contracting offices, and develop a reputation for […]
Proposed Social Disadvantage Requirements with 8(a) Firms Changing the Playing Field
In a move to clarify how Social Disadvantage is viewed by our current administration, the SBA’s proposed rule entitled “Reforms to Remove SBA’s 8(a) Program’s Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage for Individually Owned Firms Only; Reforms Do Not Impact Entity-Owned Firms,” landed earlier this month (June 11, 2026). And while some of it is certainly […]
