One topic that I will be covering extensively as part of this Blog is the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) small business development programs – that is, government programs exclusively created for the use and benefit of small businesses owned and operated by contractors in certain socioeconomic groups identified as traditionally disadvantaged or under-represented.  Through these programs, qualifying contractors can gain access to special contracting opportunities set aside specifically for program participants.  This week, I’ll be taking a look at the four major SBA small business programs:

The 8(a) Business Development Program – Reserved for qualifying small businesses identified by the government as being unconditionally owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals;

The Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Programs – As the name suggests, reserved for certain veterans of the United States military;

The HUBZone Program – Reserved for small business operating in areas of the country classified by the government as economically disadvantaged due to certain factors and conditions; and

The Women-Owned Small Business Program – Again, as the name suggests, reserved for certain qualifying small businesses owned and controlled by women.

SBA

Of course, status as a small business under one of these government programs requires more than just showing up (so to speak).  Like most everything in the government contracting world (and, in particular, small business government contracting), there are a complex and interconnected series of rules and regulations that go along with a contractor’s participation.  Misrepresenting your size can lead to some serious legal and financial consequences, so if you are interested in accessing set aside contracts, you may want to follow along.

I’ll be covering a different SBA program each day this week, starting tomorrow with the 8(a) Program.  Be sure to tune back in.