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Unlock sole-source federal contracts through the Minority & 8(a) Business Development Program.

The Minority & 8(a) Program provides a broad scope of assistance to small businesses owned and controlled at 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. USBRI handles the certification process for you, start to finish.

  • Sole-source contracts up to $4 million for goods and services, and $6.5 million for manufacturing
  • 5% of all federal monetary spending is mandated for Minority Owned Small Business certificate holders
  • Certification is valid for 9 years — no annual re-application or renewal fee

See If You Qualify for Minority & 8(a) Certification

Get a free eligibility review from a Certified Registration Specialist. No obligation.

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Minority Owned Small Business Certification 8(a) The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses.
What 8(a) certification does

Business development support for disadvantaged-owned businesses

The Minority & 8(a) Business Development Program helps small disadvantaged businesses compete and grow in the federal marketplace. Eligible businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Participants may qualify for sole-source federal contracts up to $4 million for goods and services and $6.5 million for manufacturing, as well as opportunities to form joint ventures and teams to pursue larger contracts.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate how their personal experiences resulted in social disadvantage that affected their entry into or advancement in the business world. Federal law defines socially disadvantaged individuals as those who have experienced racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society. Separate eligibility requirements apply to businesses owned by American Indians, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and Certified Development Companies.

Why it matters

Benefits of certification

  • ✓ As a Minority & 8(a) certified business, you're visible to contracting officers as both a small business and minority-certified, maximizing your ability to receive no-bid contracts under $25,000.
  • ✓Shows your company has lasting potential in the industry and financial stability.
  • ✓This certification lasts 9 years — no annual re-application or renewal fee
  • ✓Proof that you're in good financial standing with the federal government (no federal debt), which is appealing to contracting officers.
  • ✓ 5% of all federal monetary spending is mandated to be allocated to Minority Owned Small Business certificate holders.
Before you apply

Eligibility requirements

  • ✓Socially disadvantaged: Hispanic, Asian, African American, or Native American — or able to prove discrimination on the basis of gender, disability, veteran status, race, or culture
  • ✓Personal net worth under $250,000, excluding personal residence and business (cash, savings, real estate, IRAs, stocks, bonds, vehicles)
  • ✓Owner is the highest paid person in the company, at a salary reasonable for the industry
  • ✓Total current market value of all assets under $4 million
  • ✓Average 2-year adjusted gross income under $200,000
  • ✓Must qualify as a Small Business under SBA size standards
  • ✓Must own and fully control 51% of the company
  • ✓Must provide the 2 most recent tax returns
How it works

USBRI handles the certification for you

USBRI has helped thousands of businesses get properly registered and certified as Small Business Government Contractors. We handle a majority of the certification process, only pulling you in where absolutely necessary.

01

Confirm eligibility and gather the required ownership, net worth, and social disadvantage documentation

02

Prepare and submit your Minority & 8(a) Business Development Program application

03

Update your SAM Registration, SBA Profile, and DSBS Profile once approved

04

Get 12 months of ongoing support. Certification is valid for 9 years

Ready to get certified?

Call our Help Desk at 1-888-646-9998 (M–F, 9am–5pm EST) or fill out the form above to get started with a Certified Registration Specialist.

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  • 1310 Heather Ridge Blvd
    Dunedin, FL 34698
    USA
  • Phone: 1-888-646-9998
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