WASHINGTON – Business leaders across the country are joining the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in voicing support for the agency’s 8(a) Business Development Program, the federal government’s premier business development program helping socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners expand their footprint in the federal marketplace through training and contract support. In light of a United States District Court ruling in Ultima Servs. Corp. v. Dept. of Ag. affecting how participants establish eligibility, the SBA issued interim guidance to participants and stakeholders and announced the reopening of the application portal on Sept. 29.
Statement from SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman:
“Though the administration of the 8(a) Program has been impacted by a recent court injunction and order, the program is open for business. In the weeks since the injunction, the SBA has reviewed or recertified thousands of current 8(a) participants through a process consistent with the court’s order. Now the SBA has reopened the 8(a) application portal to new participants – ensuring a vast, talented pool of vendors are available to federal agencies.
“The SBA’s 8(a) Program has more than a 50-year track record of making contracting with the U.S. government more accessible for thousands of small businesses who in turn provide critical products and services to advance agency missions. Leveling the playing field not only provides entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities the opportunity to grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to their local economies – it is also crucial to enhancing performance across our federal government.
As we await a final ruling, the SBA and Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to supporting the 8(a) Program and standing up for the small business owners who have helped drive America’s historic economic growth. We will not let attacks from those who seek to take us backward chill our efforts to promote equity, expand access to the American Dream, and ultimately strengthen our country’s industrial base.”
Statements from leaders in the business community:
“The 8(a) Program is one of the federal government’s most effective tools for establishing and growing minority-owned businesses,” said Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. “I have witnessed its impact firsthand, both as a former SBA official and as the leader of an organization that has worked with countless 8(a) companies at all stages of their development. I applaud the SBA and Administrator Guzman for their unyielding support for the 8(a) Program and look forward to working with them to ensure minority-owned businesses have access to resources that will help them succeed.”
“We are pleased to see the 8(a) Program reopening its doors to new applicants,” said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). “This represents a significant opportunity for the diverse business community to thrive and succeed. The NGLCC looks forward to working closely with the Small Business Administration to ensure that LGBTQ and other diverse-owned businesses that have faced discrimination in their entrepreneurial journey can share their experiences and be a part of the program. The 8(a) Program is not just about federal contracting and training; it’s about empowering socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners to reach their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive, prosperous economy.”
“The SBA 8(a) Program is a powerful tool that affords Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) the opportunity to improve economic stability while providing resources to address the specific needs of the Native Hawaiian community,” said Cariann Loo, President of the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association. “Native Hawaiians fall significantly behind in economic and socioeconomic indicators and face systematic inequalities that have been detrimental to our overall well-being. Since first participating in the SBA 8(a) Program in 2004, NHOs have successfully cultivated self-sufficient economic ventures that have created jobs, spurred innovation, and built community capacity. Unfortunately, Native Hawaiians are still plagued with considerable challenges. As Chairperson of the Nakupuna Foundation and President of the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association (NHOA), I look forward to continuing to work with SBA to ensure NHOs can continue to use the 8(a) program to address the disparities in our community through economic opportunities.”
“The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program has helped thousands of businesses prepare to take on federal contracts, helping them scale, grow their networks, and fuel job creation in their communities,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. “The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) is optimistic that under updated SBA guidance, the 8(a) Program will continue to be a strong tool for underserved businesses preparing to pursue federal contracts. We were encouraged by the SBA’s announcement that the 8(a) program is accepting new applications again, and we look forward to helping AAPI businesses access resources needed to apply to the program. In addition, we applaud the swift action by the SBA to ensure that the 8(a) program continues to be available to underserved businesses. National ACE looks forward to continuing our work with the SBA toward advancing our shared goal of increasing equity within the small business community.”
“The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program serves as a crucial stepping-stone for thousands of small businesses entering the contracting and procurement space,” said Angela Dingle, Chair of the Board for Women Impacting Public Policy.
