Acquisition Hour: The 8(a) Business Development Program

Sections 7(j)(10) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 636(j)(10) and 637(a)) authorizes the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a business development program, which is known as the 8(a) Business Development program.

Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy. Also eligible to participate in the 8(a) program are small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Small business development is accomplished by providing various forms of management, technical, financial, and procurement assistance.

SBA partners with federal agencies to promote maximum utilization of 8(a) program participants to ensure access to contracting opportunities in the federal marketplace. Once certified, 8(a) program participants are eligible to receive federal contracting and receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

Businesses certified under the 8(a) program can also:

• Receive sole source contracts
• Compete for set-aside contracts
• Receive assistance from a Business Opportunity Specialist to help navigate federal contracting
• Form joint ventures with established businesses through the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
• Receive management and technical assistance, including business training, counseling, marketing assistance and high-level executive development

During the presentation we will discuss:

• Eligibility Criteria
• The Application Process
• Program Benefits
• What is expected from an 8(a) participant
• Locating 8(a) set aside opportunities
• Marketing your 8(a) certified business

This session will be presented by:

• Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist – U.S Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.

View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.