Get certified as an 8(a) Business Development participant. 9 years. Sole-source authority. $4.5M.
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is the flagship federal set-aside for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners. Once certified, you can be awarded sole-source contracts up to $4.5M without competing. The program lasts 9 years total (4 years developmental + 5 years transitional). The application is detailed: personal financial disclosure, narrative of social disadvantage, two years of financial statements. We handle it end-to-end.
How we handle 8(a) Certification, end-to-end.
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is the flagship federal set-aside for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.
Eligibility review
We confirm: business owner is socially and economically disadvantaged, owner controls the business (at least 51% ownership), business has been in operation 2+ years, owner net worth under $1.32M (excluding business and primary residence).
Social disadvantage narrative
Members of designated groups (Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Subcontinent Asian, Native American) presumed socially disadvantaged. Others must show by preponderance of evidence. We draft the narrative.
Financial documentation
Personal financial statement for the owner, two years of business financial statements, personal and business tax returns. We coordinate collection and presentation.
SBA application + year-1 management
We submit through certify.SBA.gov, respond to SBA examiner questions, and provide first-year compliance management (annual review preparation, capability statement, business plan).
A clean handoff, in four steps.
You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.
A name that's actually available.
Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.
Filed with the Secretary of State.
We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.
EIN + the right tax setup.
Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.
Registered Agent + deadline tracking.
Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.
Transparent 8(a) certification pricing.
Government fees pass through at cost. No upsells.
Standard
Eligibility review, narrative drafting, financial documentation, application submission through certify.SBA.gov, and year-1 compliance support (annual review prep, capability statement, business plan).
Get startedPlus joint venture
Standard plus JV agreement preparation with a non-8(a) partner (required for many larger 8(a) contracts). SBA-approved JV agreement template plus the SBA JV application.
Get startedMentor-Protégé
Standard plus SBA Mentor-Protégé Program enrollment. Lets 8(a) firms partner with larger established firms for capability development. We negotiate the M-P agreement and handle the SBA application.
Get startedAbout the SBA 8(a) Certification Service.
Who qualifies for 8(a)?
How long does 8(a) certification take?
What is the difference between 8(a) and other set-asides?
Can I have multiple federal certifications?
What happens after 9 years?
What ongoing reporting does 8(a) require?
Recommended add-ons
Most customers add these to keep their business compliant year-round.
SAM Registration Renewal
RequiredSAM expires every year. We auto-renew so you stay eligible.
Past Performance Capture
Build the contract record that wins set-asides.
Compliance Monitoring
RecommendedTrack every certification renewal: WOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB.
Premium compliance, no service-fee markup.
Trust you can verify
SOC 2 Type II audited platform. 220,000+ businesses served. 60-day money-back on service fees. State fees passed through at cost with no hidden markup. Explicit AUP on restricted industries.
A compliance partner, not a transaction
Most providers go quiet after checkout. We auto-track every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline across your entities. The Business OS dashboard keeps your compliance score visible year-round.
Premium experience competitors cannot match
Transparent pricing across every filing. $99 LLC formation, $99/yr Registered Agent, $19/mo Compliance Monitoring, $599 Business Complete Bundle. No hidden upsells, no surprise state-fee markups, no obstruction at checkout.