SBA certification
The SBA runs several certifications and they do different things. Some are free and formal, one is simply a box you tick, and only some of them unlock work in your particular industry. Here is which is which.
726
solicitations are open right now set aside for the four formally certified programmes combined, out of 10,678 in total. Which share of that you can reach depends entirely on your NAICS codes.
MySBA Certifications replaced everything
The SBA consolidated its certification systems into a single MySBA Certifications portal. Applications and annual attestations for 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB and the veteran programmes all run through it now. Guidance still circulating that sends you to separate portals, or to the VA for veteran certification, describes a system that no longer exists.
Which certifications exist
8(a) Business Development. Nine years, once, with sole source authority. The most valuable and the most demanding.
HUBZone. Geographic, with a continuous 35% employee residency requirement.
WOSB and EDWOSB. Woman-owned, operating only in designated NAICS codes.
SDVOSB. Service-disabled veteran-owned, moved from the VA to the SBA in January 2023.
Small business. Not a certification at all. You self-certify in SAM against the size standard for your NAICS code.
They are all free
Every SBA certification is free to apply for. Third-party certifiers exist and charge, and for WOSB their certification is accepted, but none of them is required. Consultants can genuinely help with the paperwork; nobody needs to be paid for you to be eligible.
Questions people ask
What is MySBA Certifications?
The SBA's single portal for applying to and maintaining 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB and veteran certifications, replacing the older separate systems.
Is SBA certification free?
Yes, all of them. Third-party certifiers charge but are optional.
Do I need certification to be a small business?
No. Small business status is self-certified in SAM against your NAICS size standard.
Which SBA certification is most valuable?
8(a), because of sole source authority, but it runs nine years once and is worth timing rather than rushing.
Can I hold several at once?
Yes, and they stack. Each opens its own set-asides.
Related
8(a) certification · HUBZone certification · WOSB certification · SDVOSB certification