Minority Certification

A minority certification can be a big boost to your business.  If you belong to one of the socially and economically disadvantage groups, you may qualify for minority business status and be entitled to many benefits from contracting with the federal and state governments.

The benefits include set-aside of at least 3% of federal contract dollars.

These certifications include 8(a), Veteran-owned, Service Disabled-Veteran-Owned, Women-owned, Asian, Black, Hispanic, etc.

To be considered a minority business the business must be at least 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled.

8(a) Certification
To qualify for the 8(a) program, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be a small business

Not have previously participated in the 8(a) program

Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged

Have a personal net worth of $850 thousand or less, adjusted gross income of $400 thousand or less, and assets totaling $6.5 million or less

Demonstrate good character

Demonstrate the potential for success such as having been in business for two years.

8(a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. The first four years are considered a development stage and the last five years are considered a transitional stage. Continuation in the program is dependent on staying in compliance with program requirements. Individuals may only participate once in their lifetime.

Once certified, 8(a) program participants are eligible to receive federal contracting preferences and receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

START YOUR 8(a) CERTIFICATION

HUBZone Certification
You can start the HUBZone certification by visiting the certification page and select the “Should I Apply” option.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs)
Start your SDVOSB certification by visiting the Small Business Administration (SBA) website.  

Veteran-owned Certification
You can start the VETERAN-OWNED certification by visiting the certification page and select the “Should I Apply” option.

Women-owned Certification
You can start the VETERAN-OWNED certification by visiting the certification page and select the “Should I Apply” option.