Which SBA certifications could your business get?
Answer a few yes-or-no questions to see whether your small business may qualify for 8(a), women-owned (WOSB and EDWOSB), HUBZone or veteran-owned (SDVOSB and VOSB) certification, and what to gather before you apply. It takes about two minutes, and your answers stay in your browser.
Every one of these certifications is free to apply for directly with the Small Business Administration (SBA) at certifications.sba.gov. FedReady is not affiliated with SBA or any government agency, and this screener isn't an official decision.
Your results
A quick read, not a decision: only SBA decides eligibility. Every certification here is free to apply for directly with SBA.
8(a) Business Development
Not answered yetA 9-year SBA program for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people, with 8(a) set-asides, sole-source awards and business coaching.
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Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Not answered yetLets you compete for WOSB set-asides and sole-source awards in the industries where SBA has found women-owned firms underrepresented.
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Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
Not answered yetA WOSB whose women owners also meet SBA's economic limits. EDWOSBs can compete for both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides.
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HUBZone
Not answered yetFor small businesses based in, and hiring from, Historically Underutilized Business Zones: HUBZone set-asides, sole-source awards and a 10% price preference in open competitions.
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Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Not answered yetSBA's VetCert certification for businesses owned and run by service-disabled veterans: SDVOSB set-asides and sole-source awards at any agency.
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Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
Not answered yetSBA's VetCert certification for businesses owned and run by veterans. VOSB set-asides are only at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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APEX Accelerators help small businesses with certifications and government contracting, usually at no cost. Find one near you. You never need to pay anyone to apply for an SBA certification.
What each certification needs
Every program also requires the business to be small under the size standard for its NAICS code. For most, the qualifying owners must own their share directly and unconditionally.
| Certification | Who owns and runs it | Other key rules |
|---|---|---|
| 8(a) | 51% owned and run full time by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens | Net worth under $850,000, income $400,000 or less, assets $6.5 million or less; 2 years in business |
| WOSB | 51% owned and run by women who are U.S. citizens | Set-asides only in eligible NAICS codes |
| EDWOSB | A WOSB whose women owners meet economic limits | Net worth under $850,000, income $400,000 or less, assets $6.5 million or less |
| HUBZone | Principal office in a HUBZone | At least 35% of employees live in a HUBZone |
| SDVOSB | 51% owned and run by service-disabled veterans | Service-connected disability determined by the VA |
| VOSB | 51% owned and run by veterans | Set-asides only at the Department of Veterans Affairs |
Rules as of Oct 2, 2026. Check SBA's pages before you apply; they change.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to get SBA certified?
No. SBA doesn't charge to apply for 8(a), WOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone or VetCert certification. You apply online at MySBA Certifications (certifications.sba.gov). Some consultants charge to help, but you don't need one.
Do I need a certification to win government contracts?
No. Plain small business set-asides only need you to be small under the contract's size standard, which you show in your SAM.gov registration. Certifications open up the extra set-asides and sole-source awards reserved for each program.
Can I have more than one certification?
Yes. A business can hold several, for example HUBZone and WOSB, if it meets each program's rules. Each one has its own set-asides.
What changed for 8(a) in 2026?
Since September 10, 2026, individual owners no longer qualify as socially disadvantaged just by belonging to a group. They must show evidence of discrimination or bias against a group they belong to and the harm it caused. SBA also wants two years of revenue and of contract work in your main NAICS code before you apply.
How long does certification last?
8(a) lasts up to 9 years and is one time only. HUBZone, WOSB and VetCert certifications are renewed every 3 years, and you report big changes, like new owners, along the way.
Read next
- Set-aside contracts, explained
- The 8(a) program and its 2025–26 changes
- HUBZone map and eligibility
- SDVOSB and veteran-owned business contracts
- APEX Accelerators and other free help
Sources
- 13 CFR part 124 (8(a))
- 13 CFR part 126 (HUBZone)
- 13 CFR part 127 (WOSB and EDWOSB)
- 13 CFR part 128 (VetCert)
- SBA 8(a) potential for success FAQ (September 10, 2026)
- SBA business certifications
FedReady is an independent company, not affiliated with SBA, SAM.gov, the VA or any government agency. This screener is general information, not legal advice.