8(a)

The 8(a) Business Development Program is an SBA program providing business development assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Named after Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, the program offers participants access to sole-source and set-aside contracts, mentorship opportunities, and specialized training.

Participants can receive contracts through sole-source awards up to certain thresholds or compete in 8(a) set-aside competitions. The program has a nine-year maximum duration with a four-year developmental stage and five-year transitional stage. Requirements include 51% ownership and daily management control by disadvantaged individuals, and firms must meet SBA size standards for their primary NAICS code.