SBA Certifications: 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and VetCert (2-Part Series)
This two-week series will be instructed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and will discuss the requirements, application process and how to become: SBA 8(a), Women Owned Small Business, VetCert Business, and HUBZone Certified. We will cover the eligibility criteria for each program and provide tips for the application process.
Find out how to certify your small business and qualify for contracts reserved for firms that meet certain socio-economic conditions.
July 9,2026 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
8(a) Business Development Program – The 8(a) program can be a valuable tool for experienced socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners, who have already been in business for at least two years or more, and are interested in expanding their footprint in the federal marketplace. The 8(a) program offers unique and valuable business assistance.
July 16, 2026 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
HUBZone Contracting Program – The HUBZone program fuels small business growth in historically underutilized business zones with a goal of awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year.
Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSB) & Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Program (EDWOSB) – To help provide a level playing field for women business owners, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program. These contracts are for goods and services in specific industries (identified via NAICS code) where WOSBs are underrepresented. Some contracts are restricted further to economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs).
Veteran Contracting assistance programs (VetCert) – Certification with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program..
For questions regarding this workshop, including late registration, please email us at ietraining@ociesbdc.org.
