SBA Certifications Made Simple
Each certification explained in plain language — who qualifies, what you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
8(a) Business Development Program
The 8(a) program helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace by providing access to sole-source and competitive set-aside contracts, mentoring, and business development assistance.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Owner's personal net worth must be less than $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business)
- Owner's adjusted gross income averaged over 3 years must not exceed $400,000
- Total assets must not exceed $6.5 million
- Business must have been in operation for at least 2 years
HUBZone Certification
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.
- Small business by SBA size standards
- At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens
- Principal office must be located in a HUBZone
- At least 35% of employees must reside in a HUBZone
Download Application
HUBZone Application FormWomen-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
The WOSB Federal Contracting Program provides access to federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses in industries where they are underrepresented.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
- Women must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
- Small business by SBA size standards
Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB)
EDWOSB certification provides additional contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses whose owners are both socially and economically disadvantaged.
- Must first qualify as a WOSB
- Women owners must be economically disadvantaged
- Personal net worth must be less than $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business)
- Adjusted gross income averaged over 3 years must not exceed $400,000
- Fair market value of all assets must not exceed $6.5 million
Download Application
EDWOSB Application FormService-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
The SDVOSB program provides contracting opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
- At least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Service-disabled veteran(s) must control day-to-day management and operations
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Veteran must have a service-connected disability rating from the VA
Download Application
SDVOSB Application FormSmall Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
The SDB certification helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals gain access to federal contracting benefits and price evaluation adjustments.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged individuals
- Owners must be U.S. citizens
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Owners must demonstrate social and economic disadvantage
Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
The MBE certification helps businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged minorities gain access to federal contracting opportunities and price evaluation adjustments.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more minorities
- Owners must be U.S. citizens
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Owners must demonstrate social and economic disadvantage
- Minority status includes African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
The VOSB certification provides contracting opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans (non-service-disabled).
- At least 51% owned by one or more veterans
- Veteran(s) must control day-to-day management and operations
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Veteran must have served in the U.S. military
- Honorable discharge required
Emerging Small Business (ESB)
The ESB certification supports small businesses in their early growth stages with access to federal contracting opportunities and business development resources.
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Business has been in operation for less than 5 years
- Annual revenue typically under $7 million
- Owner(s) must demonstrate business experience
- U.S. citizen ownership required
Community Development Corporation (CDC)
The CDC certification supports businesses located in economically disadvantaged communities with access to federal contracting opportunities and development assistance.
- Business must be located in an economically disadvantaged area
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Owner(s) must be U.S. citizens
- Business must demonstrate community impact
- Ownership and control by community members preferred
Native American-Owned Business
The Native American-Owned Business certification provides contracting opportunities to businesses owned and controlled by Native Americans or Alaska Natives.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by Native American(s) or Alaska Native(s)
- Owner(s) must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Native American(s) must control day-to-day operations
Download Application
Native American Application FormAsian-Pacific American-Owned Business (APAO)
The APAO certification provides contracting opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by Asian-Pacific Americans.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more Asian-Pacific Americans
- Owner(s) must be U.S. citizens
- Small business by SBA size standards
- Owner(s) must demonstrate social and economic disadvantage
- Asian-Pacific American includes individuals from countries in Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Indian subcontinent