The 8(a) Business Development Program

We are pleased to provide you with information on the application process for certification in the 8(a) Business Development Program. The program provides eligible firms with greater access to the resources they need to grow and develop their businesses. This, in turn, improves their ability to compete on an equal footing with other firms in the mainstream American economy.  

Applying On-Line for 8(a) BD Program Certification:

Prior to applying for the 8(a) Program, each firm is urged to take an on-line training and self-evaluation course, which is accessible via the following link: 8(a) Business Development Suitability Tool.

The first section of the on-line course explains the 8(a) Program in detail.  It culminates in an eligibility self-assessment test. The test consists of a series of simple yes/no questions that evaluate the degree to which your firm meets the basic qualifications for the 8(a) Program. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria, you will be allowed to apply immediately for the 8(a) Program via the electronic on-line system. If key eligibility criteria are not met, you will be directed to the SBA resource deemed most appropriate to help you at this time. If you would still prefer at this time to apply using the electronic system, please send an e-mail to BDMIS@sba.gov for further guidance and assistance.  The average processing time for an electronic application is ninety days.

Paper-Based Applications

While requiring considerably more time to process, you may also submit a paper application for 8(a) Program certification. A paper application may be obtained by means of a written request to:

Associate Administrator for Business Development
409 Third Street, S.W.
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20416

Upon receipt of your written request, a paper application will be forwarded to you. Please complete the paper application in its entirety and return it to the address shown above. Upon receipt of your completed paper application, the data it contains will be retyped in the electronic system, printed out, and sent back to you for verification. If any errors are found, you must return the application to the SBA with the corrections. They will be entered into the on-line application, and another paper copy will be sent to you for verification. This process will repeat until the application contains no errors. At that time, please sign the application and return it to the SBA for processing in the regular ninety-day window.

We recommend that you submit your application electronically to avoid these delays.  Again, click on this link for access to the electronic application