What Is the 8(a) Program?
The 8(a) program is SBA's nine-year business development program for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens.
8(a) program in plain English
Participants can win 8(a) set-asides and sole-source contracts up to $8.5 million for manufacturing and $5.5 million for other work. The program lasts nine years at most.
To qualify, a business must be small and at least 51% owned and controlled by disadvantaged U.S. citizens, who must meet financial limits such as personal net worth of $850,000 or less.
The rules changed recently. A rule effective September 10, 2026 removed the presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned firms, so applicants must now show it. You apply for free through MySBA Certifications.
Related terms
- Set-aside: A set-aside is a contract reserved for small businesses, or for one type of small business such as HUBZone or women-owned firms. Others can't bid.
- Sole-source contract: A sole-source contract is awarded to one company without competition, which is allowed only in specific cases.
- HUBZone: A HUBZone is a Historically Underutilized Business Zone. SBA's HUBZone program helps small businesses based in these areas win federal contracts.
- WOSB (women-owned small business): A WOSB is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, with women managing daily operations.
- SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business): An SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business) is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
Put it to work
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