Summary of SBA Certifications Webinar 8a, HUBZone, WOSB, VetCert - June 12, 2025

Summary of SBA Certifications Webinar (June 12, 2025)

This webinar, presented by Sandra Ano, Business Opportunity Specialist at the Orange County Inland Empire District Office, provided a comprehensive overview of the SBA’s key federal certification programs for small businesses: the 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone Program, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program, and Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) Program. The session included detailed explanations of eligibility criteria, benefits, application processes, and strategic advice for small businesses aiming to compete in federal contracting.

Main Financial Strategies, Market Analyses, and Business Trends

Federal Government Contracting Overview:
- The federal government is the largest buyer of goods and services, with annual procurement goals set for small business participation.
- Small businesses should conduct thorough market research using tools like SAM.gov, DSBS, USAspending.gov, and GSA eLibrary to identify contracting opportunities.
- Understanding the appropriate NAICS codes (industry classification codes) is critical for identifying relevant contracts and meeting size standards.
- Subcontracting is a strategic entry point for smaller firms to build capacity and experience before pursuing prime contracts.
SBA Set-Aside Goals:
- 23% of federal contracting dollars are set aside for small businesses, with specific targets for:
Certification Benefits:
- Certifications provide access to set-aside contracts, sole source awards, management and technical assistance, marketing support, and opportunities to acquire surplus government property.
- HUBZone certification offers a unique 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition.
- Veteran-owned businesses have additional opportunities through the VA’s Vet First program.
Application and Readiness:
- Businesses must be “procurement ready,” including having proper financial and payroll systems, capability statements, and registration in SAM.gov.
- Timing of application is critical, especially for the 8(a) program, which has a 9-year one-time participation term.
- SBA’s new unified portal, My SBA Certifications, streamlines multiple certification applications and reduces paperwork and processing time.

Step-by-Step Methodologies and Key Processes

1. Federal Market Research for Contracting Opportunities

Register and create a profile on SAM.gov.
Identify relevant NAICS codes for your business.
Use DSBS to research competitors and confirm SBA certifications.
Explore USAspending.gov for federal spending data.
Use GSA eLibrary and Acquisition Central for contract forecasts and GSA schedule info.
Check subcontracting opportunities via SubNet and SBA’s subcontracting directories.

2. 8(a) Business Development Program Eligibility and Application

Must be a small business per SBA size standards (revenue or employee thresholds).
At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Must be U.S. citizens.
Business must have operated in the primary NAICS code for at least 2 years (waivers possible with strong justification).
Demonstrate potential for success: financial capacity, management expertise, and contract performance history.
Good character requirements must be met.
Submit a social disadvantage narrative describing chronic, substantial discrimination experienced.
Economic disadvantage thresholds: personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding retirement and home equity), income under $400,000, and total assets under $6.5 million.
Application submitted via SBA’s portal with supporting documents (ownership proof, tax returns, contracts, etc.).

3. HUBZone Program Eligibility and Maintenance

Business must be small per SBA standards.
At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens.
Principal office must be located in a designated HUBZone.
At least 35% of employees must reside in a HUBZone.
Annual recertification required.
Every 3 years, SBA may conduct program examinations including site visits.
Use SBA’s HUBZone map tool to verify eligibility.
Marketing and networking are essential for success in this program.

4. Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program

Business must be small and in an eligible NAICS code where women are underrepresented.
At least 51% owned and controlled by women U.S. citizens.
Women must manage daily operations and hold highest officer positions.
No minimum time in business required.
Economic Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) requires financial documentation similar to 8(a).
Self-certification possible but limits access to set-aside contracts.
Application submitted through