March 13, 2019  1

15 8(a) Application Killers

Spending the time upfront to ensure that your firm meets all of the eligibility requirements for 8(a) Certification can save you countless hours of frustration, the expense of putting the application together incorrectly and the difference between obtaining formal 8(a) Certification or not.

Below are just 15 of the 8(a) Application “Killers”. These will immediately tell you whether you have an issue that may prevent you from qualifying for 8(a) Program certification. We also offer a online 8(a) eligibility questionnaire to help determine your overall 8(a) Program eligibility.

March 12, 2019  1

8(a) Application Tip on Business Tax Returns

The SBA will verify the following:

Have you provided complete copies of the Federal business tax returns for the last three years.

  • 1120 or 1120s for Corporations.
  • 1065 for Limited Liability Companies and Partnership.
  • Schedule C for Sole Proprietors or Single Member LLC’s treated as disregard entity.
March 12, 2019  1

Five myths about doing business with the Federal Government

Myth #1 – “Only Big Companies Win Contracts”

Fact – Preferential treatment is actually given to small, minority, woman, handicapped and service disabled owned business. Small businesses get awarded close to 25% of all federal contracts.

Between 1/1/2017 through 10/1/2019: 8(a) firms were awarded $34.5 billion in federal contracts. Of that amount, these 8(a) firms were awarded $14.65 billion through 8(a) competitive set-asides and $19.87 billion through sole-source contracts. Hubzone firms were awarded $2.75  billion through set-asides and $161.15 million through sole-source contracts..

March 12, 2019  1

How to write your 8(a) Business Plan Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is the most important section of your 8(a) Business Plan. It provides a concise overview of the entire plan along with a history of your company. This section describes the fundamental elements of your business, as well as what business you are in, why you are in it, and what you hope to accomplish.

March 8, 2019 1 Comment  1

8(a) Economic Dependency or the 70% Rule Explained

Do you have all your eggs in one basket? Economic Dependence is a significant obstacle to the eligibility of many applicants desiring to gain 8(a) Certification for their business. In fact, it is currently the #1 issue for which we have to turn the greatest number of potential 8(a) applicants away, until the issue is resolved.

February 21, 2019  1

Five SBA 8(a) Business Plan Templates

Each newly certified SBA 8(a) Participant must develop a comprehensive 8(a) business plan (Form 1010c) setting forth its business targets, objectives, and goals.

Typically your 8(a) Business Plan must be submitted within 30 days from the date of its 8(a) program admission. Your 8(a) firm will not be eligible for 8(a) program benefits, including 8(a) contracts, until its 8(a) business plan is approved.

Failure to provide an 8(a) Business Plan in a timely manner and receive approval can result in early termination by the SBA.

February 21, 2019  1

Determine your 8(a) Program Eligibility

Are you exploring the possibility of applying for the SBA 8(a) Program?

Don’t know where to start? The first step is to find out if you meet the SBA’s 8(a) Program eligibility requirements before you decide to take the leap into the complex 8(a) Application.

February 7, 2019  1

Ten Resume Tips for 8(a) Applicants

Every individual claiming disadvantage status, as well as each officer, director, partner, member, key employee or holder of 10% or more ownership interest in the firm applying for the 8(a) Program must submit a detailed personal resume.

Here are 10 important tips to make sure these individual’s resume contain all information required by the SBA.