Our Services
SBA 8(a) Certification
The 8(a) program is designed to develop businesses owned and run by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The 8(a) program has as its goal to allow these businesses to be able to compete in the government contracting world.
Eligibility is based on the following:
- 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by the socially disadvantaged individual
- You must be an American citizen
- Your net worth must be less than $250,000
- Your gross income for the three years prior to application must be less than $250,000
- You must be able to prove your social and economic disadvantage
- You must be current on all of your financial obligations
- You must be of good character
- You must also be a small business and prove that you have the ability to succeed in the government contracting arena
SBA 8(a) Certification
The 8 (a) program is designed to develop businesses owned and run by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The 8 (a) program has as its goal to allow these businesses to be able to compete in the government contracting world.
Eligibility is based on the following:
- 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by the socially disadvantaged individual
- You must be an American citizen
- Your net worth must be less than $250,000
- Your gross income for the three years prior to application must be less than $250,000
- You must be able to prove your social and economic disadvantage
- You must be current on all of your financial obligations
- You must be of good character
- You must also be a small business and prove that you have the ability to succeed in the government contracting arena
Social Disadvantaged Narrative
Preparation of the Social Disadvantaged Narrative - In order to prove your social disadvantage, you must prepare a written narrative to accompany the application. This must be a detailed statement showing how your social disadvantage over time has contributed to your inability to enter into the business world, or your advancement in the business world. The SBA considers education, employment and business history in determining social disadvantage. We will prepare and review your social disadvantage narrative after a thorough and detailed consultation with you. Your narrative must provide evidence using the following:
- At least one feature that has contributed to your social disadvantage i.e. race, gender, and physical handicap.
- A description of your social disadvantage over your lifetime.
- A statement of how this social disadvantage negatively affected you in terms of business advancement.
Social Disadvantaged Narrative
Preparation of the Social Disadvantaged Narrative - In order to prove your social disadvantage, you must prepare a written narrative to accompany the application. This must be a detailed statement showing how your social disadvantage over time has contributed to your inability to enter into the business world, or your advancement in the business world. The SBA considers education, employment and business history in determining social disadvantage. We will prepare and review your social disadvantage narrative after a thorough and detailed consultation with you. Your narrative must provide evidence using the following:
- At least one feature that has contributed to your social disadvantage i.e. race, gender, and physical handicap.
- A description of your social disadvantage over your lifetime.
- A statement of how this social disadvantage negatively affected you in terms of business advancement.
Third Party Affidavits
Third party affidavit in support of narrative – We will obtain written affidavits from individuals that you have known for some time who can verify the claims made in the social disadvantage narrative. These must accompany the social disadvantage narrative. Having the right affidavits that say the right things are essential to increasing your chances for certification. We will help you by crafting these affidavits in a compelling and persuasive manner with the most impact on your application.
Third Party Affidavits
Third party affidavit in support of narrative – We will obtain written affidavits from individuals that you have known for some time who can verify the claims made in the social disadvantage narrative. These must accompany the social disadvantage narrative. Having the right affidavits that say the right things are essential to increasing your chances for certification. We will help you by crafting these affidavits in a compelling and persuasive manner with the most impact on your application.
“Two Year in Business” Rule
Waiver of the “Two Year in Business” rule – To become 8a certified, your company must have been in business in its primary industry classification for two years immediately preceding your application for certification. The SBA will conduct a thorough investigation of the technical and managerial experience of your companies’ managers. They will want a record of performance on previous contracts in the industry in which you are seeking certification. They will also examine your financial stability.
If you have not been in business for two years then you must request a waiver. You must be able to show that you have substantial business management experience and capability. You must also have adequate capital to sustain your operations and the ability to obtain the personnel, facilities and equipment to perform on contracts. We will gather the information necessary in order to prove your technical capabilities, your record of success on prior contracts and your financial stability in order to get this rule waived.
“Two Year in Business” Rule
Waiver of the “Two Year in Business” rule – To become 8a certified, your company must have been in business in its primary industry classification for two years immediately preceding your application for certification. The SBA will conduct a thorough investigation of the technical and managerial experience of your companies’ managers. They will want a record of performance on previous contracts in the industry in which you are seeking certification. They will also examine your financial stability.
If you have not been in business for two years then you must request a waiver. You must be able to show that you have substantial business management experience and capability. You must also have adequate capital to sustain your operations and the ability to obtain the personnel, facilities and equipment to perform on contracts. We will gather the information necessary in order to prove your technical capabilities, your record of success on prior contracts and your financial stability in order to get this rule waived.
8(a) Annual Update
8(a) annual update preparation – As an 8(a) contractor, you are required to be reviewed annually by the SBA. The SBA does this to 1) assess your progress over the prior year, 2) to ensure your continued compliance with 8(a) Business Development Program eligibility and 3) to update your business plan as appropriate to include identifying strengths and weaknesses and to identify any opportunities for improvement.
If you fail to show progress or are uncompliant with program requirements there is a possibility of termination from the program. We will work with you to ensure that you are compliant and help identify any marketing and business development areas that need improvement. Additionally, we will update your business plan to include any upcoming opportunities for the following year.
8(a) Annual Update
8(a) annual update preparation – As an 8(a) contractor, you are required to be reviewed annually by the SBA. The SBA does this to 1) assess your progress over the prior year, 2) to ensure your continued compliance with 8(a) Business Development Program eligibility and 3) to update your business plan as appropriate to include identifying strengths and weaknesses and to identify any opportunities for improvement.
If you fail to show progress or are non-compliant with program requirements there is a possibility of termination from the program. We will work with you to ensure that you are compliant and help identify any marketing and business development areas that need improvement. Additionally, we will update your business plan to include any upcoming opportunities for the following year.
SBA Business Plan
SBA business plan preparation – Once you are certified, your business plan becomes a critical component of your success in working with the SBA and in ensuring your success in the 8a program. The US SBA’s form 1010c Business Plan is a substantial document that facilitates your relationship with your assigned SBA representative. This form provides the SBA with the information necessary to determine your companies’ current status as well as established goals. We will work with you on a detailed, accurate plan that outlines short and long term accomplishable goals as well as being a fluid, changeable document based on your opportunities and successes.
SBA Business Plan
SBA business plan preparation – Once you are certified, your business plan becomes a critical component of your success in working with the SBA and in ensuring your success in the 8a program. The US SBA’s form 1010c Business Plan is a substantial document that facilitates your relationship with your assigned SBA representative. This form provides the SBA with the information necessary to determine your companies’ current status as well as established goals. We will work with you on a detailed, accurate plan that outlines short and long term accomplishable goals as well as being a fluid, changeable document based on your opportunities and successes.
Joint Ventures
Joint Venture Agreements – One of the reasons that makes the 8(a) program attractive is its ability to grow your business and help you compete with larger firms. Once certified, you have the opportunity to partner with larger companies that are approved through the SBA’s Mentor Protégé program in order to perform on larger contracts. These partnerships are win-win with all parties benefitting from the arrangement.
The SBA strictly monitors these agreements to make sure that everyone benefits and that all transactions are above-board. As such, the joint venture application process requires precise documentation and adherence to the Code of Federal Regulations. We will guide you through the process and prepare the application for approval by the SBA. Any failure to follow the application requirements could cause delay or denial of the application. That is why we are here to help you.
Joint Ventures
Joint Venture Agreements – One of the reasons that makes the 8(a) program attractive is its ability to grow your business and help you compete with larger firms. Once certified, you have the opportunity to partner with larger companies that are approved through the SBA’s Mentor Protégé program in order to perform on larger contracts. These partnerships are win-win with all parties benefitting from the arrangement.
The SBA strictly monitors these agreements to make sure that everyone benefits and that all transactions are above-board. As such, the joint venture application process requires precise documentation and adherence to the Code of Federal Regulations. We will guide you through the process and prepare the application for approval by the SBA. Any failure to follow the application requirements could cause delay or denial of the application. That is why we are here to help you.
Mentor Protégé
Mentor Protégé Program – Before you are able to participate in any joint venture, you must be approved as a protégé under the Mentor Protégé program. Like joint venture agreements, the application process is rigorous but worthwhile. Participating in this program will help you by enhancing your competitiveness, meet your goals in your business plan, and will help you get to the next level in your companies’ growth. We will guide you through the process and prepare the application for approval by the SBA.
Mentor Protégé
Mentor Protégé Program – Before you are able to participate in any joint venture, you must be approved as a protégé under the Mentor Protégé program. Like joint venture agreements, the application process is rigorous but worthwhile. Participating in this program will help you by enhancing your competitiveness, meet your goals in your business plan, and will help you get to the next level in your companies’ growth. We will guide you through the process and prepare the application for approval by the SBA.
Women-owned, Veteran-owned, Native American-owned
Preparation and Review of application for Women-owned, Veteran-owned and Native American-owned businesses – US Federal agencies set aside contracts specifically for Women, Veteran and Native American owned businesses. In order to qualify for this certification, your company must be a small business that is owned and controlled 51% by either a Woman, a Veteran or Native American. You must be a US citizen and you must be the highest ranking and highest paid executive in your company. We will help you complete and present your application to the SBA for these certifications.
Women-owned, Veteran-owned, Native American-owned
Preparation and Review of application for Women-owned, Veteran-owned and Native American-owned businesses – US Federal agencies set aside contracts specifically for Women, Veteran and Native American owned businesses. In order to qualify for this certification, your company must be a small business that is owned and controlled 51% by either a Woman, a Veteran or Native American. You must be a US citizen and you must be the highest ranking and highest paid executive in your company. We will help you complete and present your application to the SBA for these certifications.
HUB Zones
HUB Zone certification – This program is designed to provide economic development in historically underutilized business zones. The HUB Zone program promotes economic development and employment in distressed areas by providing access to federal contracting opportunities. If you do business in a designated HUB Zone, you may be eligible for this certification. You must have your principal office and 35% of your employees living in the HUB Zone. This gives you preference on certain federal contracts to include Sole Source contracts plus a 10% advantage on competitive contracts. If you qualify, we will help you apply for and receive your HUB Zone certification.
HUB Zones
HUB Zone certification – This program is designed to provide economic development in historically underutilized business zones. The HUB Zone program promotes economic development and employment in distressed areas by providing access to federal contracting opportunities. If you do business in a designated HUB Zone, you may be eligible for this certification. You must have your principal office and 35% of your employees living in the HUB Zone. This gives you preference on certain federal contracts to include Sole Source contracts plus a 10% advantage on competitive contracts. If you qualify, we will help you apply for and receive your HUB Zone certification.
Marketing and Business Development
Marketing and Business Development Consulting – Once you are certified you must win contracts. The SBA is not required to give you contracts, so you must market your company to the government. Marketing to the government is complex and it can be difficult if not impossible for you to reach decision makers and influencers on your own. You must be able to align your business solutions to the needs of your government client. Additionally, you must have the ability to target internal customers within each government agency.
We will help you navigate through the maze of marketing to the government and we will create business development strategies for your company to help you win contracts and grow your company. We will do this by:
- researching potential government clients in order to understand their needs and how you can stand out from your competitors
- helping you follow a focused strategy by finding your niche offerings so that you can be seen as an expert in your field
- building your brand around that expertise
- working on a balance approach to business development and
- helping you with strategies to attract the best talent to your team.
Marketing and Business Development
Marketing and Business Development Consulting – Once you are certified you must win contracts. The SBA is not required to give you contracts, so you must market your company to the government. Marketing to the government is complex and it can be difficult if not impossible for you to reach decision makers and influencers on your own. You must be able to align your business solutions to the needs of your government client. Additionally, you must have the ability to target internal customers within each government agency.
We will help you navigate through the maze of marketing to the government and we will create business development strategies for your company to help you win contracts and grow your company. We will do this by:
- researching potential government clients in order to understand their needs and how you can stand out from your competitors
- helping you follow a focused strategy by finding your niche offerings so that you can be seen as an expert in your field
- building your brand around that expertise
- working on a balance approach to business development and
- helping you with strategies to attract the best talent to your team.