Choose a federal program
Which SBA certification fits your business?
The relevant program depends on who owns and runs the business, where it operates and which buyers it wants to serve. A business can hold more than one certification.
8(a)
Business Development
A program for qualifying disadvantaged businesses, with a maximum nine-year term.
WOSB / EDWOSB
Women-Owned Small Business
Women-owned businesses; EDWOSB also requires economic disadvantage.
HUBZone
Location and workforce
Businesses with a qualifying principal office and employees who reside in HUBZones.
VOSB / SDVOSB
Veteran certification
Veteran-owned businesses seeking VA or federal contracting opportunities.
What certification allows
Certification can make a business eligible to compete for certain opportunities. It does not award a contract. Each opportunity still has its own buyer, assigned industry, size standard and award requirements. Treat a seller’s promise of contracts cautiously when deciding whether to buy application help.
| Program | Main requirements | Also check |
|---|---|---|
| 8(a) | Disadvantage and operating history | Whether the applicant is individually owned or entity-owned |
| WOSB / EDWOSB | Women’s ownership and management | Whether the opportunity uses an eligible industry |
| HUBZone | Office location and employee residence | Current map and employee definitions |
| VOSB / SDVOSB | Veteran status, ownership and management | SDVOSB federal opportunities or VOSB VA opportunities |
The registration and size guide explains the shared prerequisites. Ownership percentages also need to be considered alongside actual management and decision-making authority. If those facts are unclear, SBA or an assistance counselor can help you understand what the application requires.
Prepare a program shortlist
Answer with facts you have checked. The worksheet identifies questions to investigate for each program; it cannot assess the legal or financial details of eligibility.