Other SBA Programs

The Small Business Administration administers several programs that are designed to help small businesses market to both large business and government procurements:

• The Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification Program is designed to treat small companies equitably and empower them to pursue business in both the private and public sector contract arenas by providing them specific advantages in the procurement process.
• The 8(a) Business Development Program provides on-going personalized business assistance and counseling to certified 8(a) small disadvantaged businesses in expanding their business, fostering profitable business relationships and becoming more effective in both the large business and government sectors.
• The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program is designed to stimulate economic development and create jobs in urban and rural communities. The program provides contracting opportunities to small businesses located in, and hiring employees from, Historically Underutilized Business Zones.
• The 8(a) BD Mentor-Protege Program is a new public-private partnership sponsored by the SBA that seeks to grow disadvantaged startup businesses with the help of experienced ones.
• The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program is another recently launched program that provides assistance to veterans owning small businesses, especially those who are service-disabled.
• Other Assistance Measures describes other help available to small businesses to assist with the acquisition processes.

Small businesses cannot receive benefits from these programs unless the SBA certifies that they meet the specific criteria applicable for the particular program and that they qualify to participate.