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What is the 8(a) program?
Full name: SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
The 8(a) Business Development Program is a U.S. Small Business Administration program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts. Named for Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, it offers a nine-year term of training, mentoring, and access to sole-source and set-aside awards. A debarment or exclusion can end eligibility.
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Last updated: 2026-07-11Reviewed by: Fonteum data standards desk — Source-provenance editorial review. Definitions checked against primary federal sources.
How it’s used
- SBA certification: a firm must be certified by the SBA under 13 CFR Part 124 to receive 8(a) sole-source and set-aside contracts.
- Federal set-asides: agencies direct a share of contracting dollars to 8(a) firms, making certification a meaningful federal-award advantage.
- Eligibility screening: a debarment, suspension, or other exclusion in SAM.gov can disqualify a firm, so 8(a) status and exclusion records are read together.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the 8(a) program?
- The 8(a) Business Development Program is an SBA program that helps small disadvantaged businesses win federal contracts through a nine-year term of mentoring and access to set-aside and sole-source awards.
- Who qualifies for the 8(a) program?
- A firm must be a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, and meet the SBA's eligibility tests under 13 CFR Part 124.
- How long does 8(a) certification last?
- The 8(a) program term is nine years from the date of certification, after which a firm graduates from the program.
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