The 8(a) Business Development Program

Just because your business is small… doesn’t mean you can’t compete with larger firms or partner with them. By becoming 8(a) certified, you have opportunities for business growth and development. No one can guarantee that your 8(a) application package will be approved, but this session will provide you with the steps and tools you need to walk yourself through the process.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program, named for a section of the Small Business Act, was created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal procurement market. SBA defines a small business as one that is independently owned and operated, is organized for profit, and is not dominant in its field. During this seminar Virginia PTAC Counselor and former SBA Business Opportunities Specialist Lisa Powell will walk you through the application process of becoming an 8(a) certified firm. She will cover the necessary qualifications and eligibility criteria to apply for the status, where to find online resources that can help in your application, and tips on how to complete the full application.

Instructor Lisa Powell worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration at the Connecticut District Office from 1998 to 2019 as an Economic Development Specialist monitoring the HUBZone and 8(a) portfolios for the local office before joining the Virginia PTAC as a Procurement Counselor in 2021. During her time at the SBA, Lisa worked closely with all of SBA’s resource partners to facilitate procurement workshops held at local Community Colleges, Chambers of Commerce and libraries. As a Business Opportunity Specialist, she was involved with the Government Contracting programs that the SBA provides and worked very closely with the purchasing agents for the Federal and State Agencies as well as the larger prime contractors while organizing SBA Matchmakers and assisting small business.