8(a) - The Minority Business Development 8(a) Program is an SBA business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market. To participate in the 8(a) program, a business must be a small business, at least 51 percent unconditionally owned and operated by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and citizens of the United States, and must demonstrate potential for success. Without evidence to the contrary, the following individuals are presumed to be socially disadvantaged: African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders and Subcontinent Asian Americans. Economic disadvantage is defined as individuals who are socially disadvantaged and whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities, as compared to others in the same or similar line of business and competitive market area who are not socially disadvantaged. The business must have been established for two full years before applying. www.sba.gov/med

SDB – The SBA certifies Small Disadvantaged Businesses to make them eligible for special bidding benefits. The SBA certifies small businesses that meet specific social, economic, ownership, and control eligibility criteria. To qualify as an SDB, a small business must be owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Congress has directed that individuals who are members of certain ethnic groups are presumed to be disadvantaged. Other persons, including women and persons of any race, can also qualify by establishing their disadvantaged status. Once certified, the firm is added to an on-line registry of SDB-certified firms maintained in PRO-Net. Certified firms remain on the list for three years. www.sba.gov/sdb

FAQ: What is the difference between 8(a) certification and SDB certification? The 8(a) Program is a business development program that offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms. Small Disadvantaged Business certification strictly pertains to benefits in Federal procurement. 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification.

NWBOC- The National Women Business Owners Corporation was established to increase competition for corporate and government contracts through implementation of a pioneering economic development strategy for women business owners. NWBOC has a national certification program for woman owned and controlled businesses as an alternative to the multiple state and local certifications required by many public and private sector agencies. www.nwboc.org

WBENC- The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the nation's leading third-party certifier of women's business enterprises (WBEs). Their internet database lists your company information and is accessed by 350 major corporations from across the country that are seeking vendors. Currently, WBENC has twelve fully operational Women Business Organization Partners (WBOPs), providing certification, offering programs to enhance women business enterprise procurement opportunities, and participating in the Leadership Council. A complete list of WBOPs is available online at: www.wbenc.org