Why You Should Consider an 8(a) Certification for Your Business
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The 8(a) federal assistance program supports small businesses run by dually disadvantaged US citizens. There are numerous 8(a) certification benefits for people who are both economically and socially disadvantaged and own/control 51 percent or more of a company.
Thousands of business owners who are just getting started are able to access government contracts through the 8(a) certification. Giving them a doorway into the largest spenders in the world, the United States Government.
Therefore, the 8(a) Business Development Program’s primary goal is to help disadvantaged small businesses go on and thrive in a competitive business environment once the nine-year program is completed.
Benefits of an 8(a) Certification
The 8(a) program has been in place since 1972, and it allows small businesses to compete for government contracts. The program is managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and is designed to help disadvantaged firms—including those owned by people with disabilities—secure federal contracts.
An 8(a) certification is a great way to get started with government contracting. If you’re a small business, it’s especially beneficial because it allows you to compete for contracts that have been set aside for small businesses.
Overall 8(a) Certified firms can:
- Efficiently complete and receive set-aside and sole-source contracts
- Receive one-on-one business development assistance for their nine-year term from dedicated Business Opportunity Specialists focused on helping firms grow and accomplish their business objectives
- Pursue opportunities for mentorship from experienced and technically capable firms
- Connect with procurement and compliance experts who understand regulations in the context of business growth, finance, and government contracting
- Pursue joint ventures with established businesses to increase capacity
- Qualify to receive federal surplus property on a priority basis
- And much more
Using an 8(a) Certification to Compete for Government Contracts
The certification has many benefits, including increased visibility and access to government bid opportunities. But the holy grail of the 8(a) Certification is how impressive your business will look to Government Buyers looking to purchase from 8(a) firms.
Once you’ve obtained your certification, you can start selling yourself as one! The best way is through networking events such as conferences–by attending these events regularly and meeting people who work within federal agencies or departments that could potentially award contracts worth millions of dollars each year through their companies’ bidding processes.
Becoming 8(a) Certified is a Long and Arduous Process
The application process is hundreds of pages long and can take months to complete. It requires patience, perseverance, and determination. More often than not, business owners attempting to complete the 8(a) Certificate on their own are rejected by the SBA. This can be a major setback and leave your company longing for success.
At GSE, we believe that you should continue to do what you do best, run your business. That’s where we come in.
From start to finish, our on-hand 8(a) experts will complete all paperwork, deal with Government agencies, handle changes, and get you certified the first time. With over 30 years of experience throughout our company, your firm will be in good hands.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the 8(a) Program?
The 8(a) Business Development Program helps companies owned by economically disadvantaged individuals gain access to federal contracts; this means that businesses owned by people who have experienced discrimination because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin can receive government contracting opportunities.
To be eligible for the 8(a) program, your business must:
- Be a small business with revenues of less than $27 million in its prior fiscal year.
- Be owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SDIs). As an SDI, you must have a net worth that does not exceed $6 million. You also cannot own more than 5% of another company’s stock or other equity interest.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who has been granted political asylum
While there are eligibility requirements that arise on a case to case basis, these are the basic few. For more information on if your business qualifies for an 8(a) Certification, give GSE a call today at (866) 889-0405 to speak with an 8(a) Specialist.
In Addition to Government Contracts, an 8(a) Can Bring You Other Types of Business As Well
Many organizations that do not have a contract with the government will still consider working with an 8(a) certified business. In fact, some organizations may require that any vendors they work with be 8(a) certified.
Of course, this is particularly true in the case of government contractors who must meet certain requirements before they can win contracts.
In addition to helping you get a government contract and potentially open up other opportunities for yourself or your company, being an 8(a) Certified Business means that you will have access to resources like free mentoring programs and networking events designed specifically for small businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals (SED). These resources can help you grow as a company while also providing valuable information about how to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
Government Services Exchange Can Help You Get the 8(a) Certification Quickly & Correctly
The 8(a) certification process is long, but it doesn’t have to be difficult for you. If you’re interested in getting your business certified as an 8(a) Company, Government Services Exchange can help you with the entire process. We’ll help you complete all of your paperwork correctly and quickly so that you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about government paperwork.
The benefits of an 8(a) certification can be huge and help build a future for your business. If you have questions about whether or not an 8(a) certification is right for your company, contact us today.
