SBA has developed a number of programs to help specific groups secure Federal contracts.  

HUBZone
SBA's HUBZone ("Historically Underutilized Business Zone”) Program is designed to promote economic development and employment growth in distressed areas by providing access to more Federal contracting opportunities. To be eligible for the program, a concern must meet the following requirements to obtain certification:

• Be a small business by SBA standards;
• Be located in a HUBZone;
• Be owned and controlled 51 percent by person(s) who are U.S. citizens;
• Have at least 35 percent of its employees residing in a HUBZone.

Click here for more information.

8(a) Business Development Program
The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, helping these entrepreneurs to compete in the Federal contracting arena and to take advantage of greater subcontracting opportunities available from large firms as the result of public/private partnerships. The nine-year program includes counseling and training, as well as potential Federal procurement opportunities. The program’s Mentor-Protégé Program allows start-up companies to learn the ropes from experienced businesses.

To qualify for the program, a small business must be owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual; presumed groups include African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Native Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans. Other individuals can be admitted to the program if they show through a "preponderance of the evidence" that they are disadvantaged because of race, ethnicity, gender, physical handicap, or residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society. In order to meet the economic disadvantage test, all individuals must have a net worth of less than $250,000, excluding the value of the business and personal residence. Successful applicants must also meet applicable size standards for small business concerns; be in business for at least two years; display reasonable success potential; and display good character. Although the two-year requirement may be waived, firms must continue to comply with various requirements while in the program.

You can apply to the 8(a) Program by contacting any SBA district office. For more information or questions, call the Division of Program Certification & Eligibility at (202) 205-6417.

Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer
The Office of Technology administers the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program. Through these two competitive programs, SBA ensures that the nation's small, innovative high-tech businesses are a significant part of the Federal Government's research and development efforts. 

The SBIR helps small businesses to explore their technological potential by providing incentives for them to commercialize new ideas. The program funds the critical start-up and development stages of the small business and encourages the commercialization of the technology, product, or service it develops. Eleven Federal departments participate in the SBIR program, which has helped thousands of small businesses to compete for Federal research and development awards since its establishment in 1982. 

The STTR program encourages joint venture opportunities between small businesses and the nation's premier nonprofit research institutions by reserving a specific percentage of Federal R&D funding for these public/private sector partnerships. Five departments participate in the STTR program.

Click here for more information.