The SBA 8a, and other SBA loan guarantee programs, have stringent requirments. You can find the 8a program requirements at http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_program_office/8abd_80_05_3a_searchable.pdf Since you need to work somewhere, can you move your primary office to the construction office? That may be enough to meet the requirement. Message Edited by BizResearcher on 09-22-2009 02:38 PM

Is the SBA 8a the same thing as 'hubzone'? thanks

Hi JodyPenn: Good question! The 8(a) Business Development Program and HUBzone Program are 2 different programs that are hosted by SBA. The short answer to the differences is that the 8(a) program is for small disadvantaged businesses compete for federal procurement opportunities. And the HUBZone program are for businesses in historically underutilized business zones gain access to federal procurement opportunities. So it is more about the business location. Along with the links above, check out this article on Small Business Certification: Benefits and Requirements to find out more. I hope this is helpful.

thank you ZanetaB Message Edited by jodypenn on 10-10-2009 12:35 AM

A good site to see all about the SBA hubzone certification and everything about it here. Another site that is good for 8a certification is here and another is here... Good Luck Message Edited by ZanetaB on 12-01-2009 03:53 PM

SBA 8(a) certification can only be awarded to an individual one time, so if you certifyyour construction business as an 8(a) firm, you cannot attain 8(a) status for any other firm you own. Under the Code of Federal Regulations, the SBA cannot grant 8(a) status to a company unless it has a reasonable expectation of success in the 8(a) program, and thus the SBA mandates that the owner dedicate himself or herself to managing the 8(a) business full time. In the SBA's view, anyoutside business interests theoretically detract from the potential success of the 8(a) business.

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO GET SET UP ON THE 8A PROGRAM WE ARE A WOMAN AND INDAIN OWED COMPANY. WE CAN'T AFFORD TO SPENDMUCH MONEY

You can find the SBA 8(a) Application here. Read more about the SBA loans in our blog: SBA Small Business Loans ExplainedAvailability, Eligibility and the Application Process.

The 8(a) process is interesting indeed. The difficulty with the application is that it appears simple on the surface. Based upon my 9 year tenure in the program (I graduated in 3/09), the following issues are critical at the application stage. First, the personal narrative of economic disadvantage is very, very important. You cannot say that you are a minority and therefore disadvantaged. You must show how your background created disadvantages for you and give examples that are clear and articulate. It is important that you show how you were denied opportunities that were otherwise available to others. This is done anecdotally and does not require legal proof. Second, the checklist of documents needed for a successful application is also critical. You must have all of your corporate documents including annual minutes going all the way back to the original date of incorporation. Yes, you will actually need a copy of the actual stock certificate showing that the disadvantaged individual actually was issued the stock. And the list goes on. But, in the end, it is worth it. For me, I entered the 8(a) program in 2000 and within 3 months was awarded a $3 million dollar contract. So, don;t give up. If you have technical questions, feel free to contact me offline at jrivera@riverasierra.com. Jos Edited for format

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