Sections 7(j)(10) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a business development program, known as the 8(a) Business Development program. The program is a robust nine-year program created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or firms owned by Alaska Native Corporations or Tribal- Native Organizations.

Once certified, 8(a) program participants are eligible for federal contracting small business set-aside and sole sourced contracts, and training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

We can’t guarantee that your 8(a) application package will be approved, but this session will increase your chances of success if you are eligible, by providing you with the steps and tools you need to walk yourself through the process. During this seminar we cover —

Part 1 – 8(a) Application Process from Preparation to Submission
Part 2 – Financials Documents & Common Financial Mistakes for 8(a) Applicants
Part 3 – So You Are Eligible, but Are You Ready?

Instructor Lisa Powell worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration at the Connecticut District Office from 1998 to 2019 as an Economic Development Specialist monitoring the HUBZone and 8(a) portfolios for the local office before joining the Virginia APEX Accelerator as a Procurement Counselor in 2021. During her time at the SBA, Lisa worked closely with all of SBA’s resource partners to facilitate procurement workshops held at local Community Colleges, Chambers of Commerce and libraries. As a Business Opportunity Specialist, she was involved with the Government Contracting programs that the SBA provides and worked very closely with the purchasing agents for the Federal and State Agencies as well as the larger prime contractors while organizing SBA Matchmakers and assisting small business.