There are two major differences between the SDB, 8(a), and HUBZone Programs. 1. SDB and HUBZones are essentially contractor programs designed to expand economic opportunity for disadvantaged businesses. An example of this would be an 8(a) eligible business located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone.
A Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) is a small business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. SDB status makes a company eligible for bidding and contracting benefit programs involved with federal procurement.
To get certified as an 8(a) business, simply use the certify.SBA.gov website. You'll need to have a profile at SAM.gov before you can use the certification website. The information you'll need to provide will vary based on your business structure and whether you're already participating in other SBA programs.
The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
To qualify as a women-owned small business, or WOSB, your business must meet the following requirements:
- Your company must qualify as a small business based on SBA small business size standards.
- Your company must be 51 percent owned by women who are U.S. citizens.
- Women must manage the operations on a daily basis.
SBA (8a) is an ownership/diversity certification sponsored by the Small Business Association (SBA) of the United States government. This certification is intended for organizations that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Go to
- Enter your User ID and password.
- Click on the HUBZone icon.
- Click on HUBZone Electronic Application.
- The status will be displayed under the application number.
In order to qualify for the HUBZone program, the business must be located in an area designated as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone and at least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone. You may determine if an address or a particular area is designated as a HUBZone by using the HUBZone Map.
Dynamic Small Business Search
A redesignated area qualifies for a limited time as a HUBZone area. As a redesignated area, it qualifies as a HUBZone designated area for a period of three years. Importantly, when a tract or county is redesignated, its status in the HUBZone maps reflects the sunset date of the redesignation.
A full-time employee is one who is employed an average of at least 30 hours per week.
The SBA Act does not define a seasonal employer or seasonal business. If the applicant is a seasonal employer, determine the average number of FTE employees per month during February 15, 2019, to June 30, 2019. This will be compared to the FTE employees during the eight-week period beginning after funding of the loan.
Utilities Definition Includes Internet, Transportation and Telephone. electricity, gas, water, transportation, telephone or internet access, for which service began before February 15, 2020.” Most of these utility expenses are straightforward.
