The SBA’s Most Powerful Program — Applied For the Right Way, the First Time
The 8(a) Business Development Program gives socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses nine years of access to set-aside contracts, sole-source awards, and dedicated SBA business development support. It is also one of the most demanding certification applications in federal contracting — and the place where DIY applicants most often get denied over fixable paperwork issues. TIKC prepares and submits your complete 8(a) application so you enter the program positioned to win.
Who Qualifies for 8(a) Certification
- Your business is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens
- The owner’s personal net worth, income, and assets fall within SBA’s economic disadvantage limits
- Your business qualifies as small under its primary NAICS code
- The business has been operating for two years (waivers are possible), shows potential for success, and the owners demonstrate good character
Not sure whether you meet the economic disadvantage thresholds? That’s exactly what our free eligibility review is for — we’ll tell you honestly whether 8(a) is your best path, or whether another certification gets you competing sooner.
How Our 8(a) Certification Service Works
- Free eligibility review — a 5-minute questionnaire plus a specialist review of your ownership, financials, and business history
- Document collection — we send a secure, itemized checklist covering every financial statement, tax return, and narrative the SBA requires
- Application preparation — our specialists draft your social disadvantage narrative and assemble the full submission package
- Submission and follow-through — we file through the SBA’s certification portal, track status, and respond to every SBA request for clarification until decision
We work to a 90-day turnaround target from complete document receipt to submission. SBA review timelines vary and are outside any consultant’s control — anyone who promises you a government decision date isn’t being straight with you. What we control, we guarantee: a complete, accurate, professionally prepared application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 8(a) certification cost?
The SBA charges nothing to apply. TIKC charges a flat preparation fee quoted after your free eligibility review — no hourly billing, and never a percentage of the contracts you win.
What if I’m also eligible for WOSB or another certification?
Many clients qualify for more than one. Certifications stack — an 8(a) firm that is also WOSB certified or HUBZone certified can compete in multiple set-aside pools. We’ll map the right sequence for your business.
Do I need SAM.gov registration first?
Yes — an active SAM registration is the foundation for every certification. If you’re not registered yet, our SAM.gov & DSBS Registration service handles it start to finish.
Start With a Free Eligibility Review
Nine years of set-aside access starts with one conversation. Book your free discovery call and find out exactly where your business stands — or explore all of our certification services.