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Small Business

8(a) Business Development Application Prep (SBA 8(a))

Access sole-source federal contracts for 9 years.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

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Estimated fee

No government fee

View official fee calculator ↗

Typical timeline

90 to 180 days

Category

Small Business

Who qualifies

Small business owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens, net worth under $850k, and 2+ years in business.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Verify Eligibility and Control

    Ensure disadvantaged owners hold at least 51% unconditional ownership and manage daily operations full-time.

    Watch out: Outside employment or shared control with non-qualifying partners can trigger denial.
    Common rejection reason: Failure to prove unconditional day-to-day managerial control.
  2. 2

    Gather Financial and Tax Documents

    Collect personal and business tax returns, income statements, and balance sheets for the required periods.

    Watch out: Adjusted net worth must remain below $850,000, excluding primary home equity and business equity.
    Common rejection reason: Missing tax schedules or personal net worth exceeding SBA limits.
  3. 3

    Draft Disadvantage Narratives

    Document social disadvantage with specific evidence of bias or group qualification per updated SBA standards.

    Watch out: Vague statements without specific dates, locations, or business impact are often rejected.
    Common rejection reason: Insufficient narrative evidence showing individual social disadvantage.
  4. 4

    Submit via Certify.sba.gov

    Upload all corporate documents, financial statements, and narratives directly into the SBA online portal.

    Watch out: Incomplete submissions halt review until you respond to requests for information.
    Common rejection reason: Incomplete corporate records such as unfiled operating agreements.

Documents you'll need

  • SBA Form 413 (Personal Financial Statement)

    Detailed breakdown of personal assets, liabilities, and income for each 51%+ owner.

    Note: Must be dated within 90 days of application submission.

  • Past 3 Years of Business and Personal Taxes

    Complete signed federal tax returns including all schedules and W-2s.

    Note: Both corporate and personal returns are required.

  • Governing Business Documents

    Articles of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreements, and stock ledgers.

    Note: Must clearly establish full voting control by qualifying owners.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

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Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.