SBA certifications

Guide 3 of 8

The SBA's 8(a), HUBZone, women-owned (WOSB and EDWOSB) and veteran-owned (VetCert) programs: who each is for and how to apply.

8(a) Business Development program

Who it is for. Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, as SBA's rules define those terms, and firms owned by Indian tribes, Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) or Community Development Corporations (CDCs). SBA's page describes the program as a tool for 'experienced socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners, who have already been in business for at least two years or more.'

The 8(a) Business Development program is run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA says participants 'receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy,' and can compete for 8(a) set-aside and sole-source federal contracts during a nine-year term. A new SBA rule took effect on September 10, 2026: individual owners now prove social disadvantage with evidence of group discrimination, not a personal narrative or a race-based presumption.

Steps

Find your primary NAICS codeLook up the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code that matches your main line of work. Check that code's size standard in SBA's table. SBA lists this as the first step to apply for 8(a).SBA table of size standards
Register or renew in SAM.govRegister your business in SAM.gov (System for Award Management), the federal government's registration site. SBA lists this as the second step. SAM.gov gives your business a UEI (Unique Entity ID). SAM.gov says registration must be renewed every 365 days to stay active. SAM.gov's own page says APEX Accelerators give 'free help completing registration in SAM.gov.'SAM.gov entity registration
Create an SBA Certifications accountGo to certifications.sba.gov and click Sign Up / Login. Enter your name, email and country, set a password, and verify your email with the code sent by Okta (the sign-in service SBA uses). If you already have an SBA Loan Portal, CAFS (Capital Access Financial System) or VetCert account, SBA's guide says to sign in with that account instead of making a new one.SBA guide: create an account
Claim your businessChoose Claim a Business and enter your UEI, your CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code, if you have one) and your TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number). SBA's 'Get Ready' page says, 'You must have an active SAM.gov profile to begin.' Add owners until ownership totals at least 99%, and name the highest-paid person and the day-to-day manager.SBA guide: onboarding
Check the 'potential for success' ruleSBA's September 10, 2026 FAQ asks for business income tax returns for each of the last two tax years that show operating revenues, and proof of contract performance in your primary NAICS code for the two full years right before you apply, with no gaps. SBA may waive the two-year rule only if all five conditions in its FAQ are met: management experience, technical experience, enough capital, a record of successful contracts, and the ability to get the staff, facilities and equipment needed. If SBA finds the waiver conditions are not met, it declines the application and the business cannot reapply for 90 days.SBA Potential for Success FAQ (PDF)
Gather evidence for the new social disadvantage testUnder 13 CFR 124.103 (in effect since September 10, 2026), an individual owner uploads evidence that, during the owner's lifetime, a government or private organization in the United States (the rule names federal, state and local governments, universities and corporations as examples) discriminated against, was biased against, or favored another group over a clearly definable racial, ethnic or cultural group the owner belongs to. The owner then self-certifies being in that group at the time and suffering 'material harm' (loss of, or reduced, opportunities for economic advancement). SBA's August 28, 2026 FAQ lists court rulings, explicit corporate policies, congressional or other government findings, and other official policies as acceptable evidence. SBA's September 10, 2026 FAQ says a lengthy narrative is 'not necessary or desired.' Firms owned by tribes, ANCs, NHOs or CDCs do not have to show social disadvantage.SBA Social Disadvantage FAQ (PDF)
Start the application and upload documentsOn your dashboard, open the Applications tab and click Apply. Select 8(a) (other SBA certifications can be selected in the same application). Answer each questionnaire and upload each document with its document type. SBA's Knowledge Base says all documents must be uploaded within 60 days of starting the application, or the application closes.SBA guide: 8(a) initial application
Invite contributorsSend invitation codes to the other people SBA needs information from, such as other owners. SBA's FAQ says whether a person must fill in a contributor section depends on ownership share, role in the business and other factors. Contributors fill in their own personal questionnaires. If you change the application after sending invitations and contributors have started, they must start again with a new invitation.SBA guide: application roles and sequence
Sign, submit and answer SBA quicklyThe qualifying owner signs and submits. SBA's Knowledge Base says to answer SBA's requests for more information within 7 calendar days; if not, SBA 'may close or deny the application.' Under 13 CFR 124.204, SBA tells you within 15 days whether the package is complete and decides within 90 days after it is complete.13 CFR 124.204
If your application was pending before September 10, 2026SBA is sending pending individual-owned applications back through 'Return to Business' (RTB). Answer the new social disadvantage questions, update your financial documents and other answers, then go to the final page and resubmit. SBA's FAQ says this must be done within 45 calendar days of the RTB notice, or the system closes the application and you must start a new one. SBA keeps your original submission date in the queue.SBA FAQ Volume Two (PDF)
After approval, complete the annual review each yearIn SBA Certifications, click Manage Certifications and choose 8(a) Annual Review. Answer the questions, upload documents and sign. The review goes to your servicing SBA district office.SBA guide: 8(a) annual review

What to have ready

Proof of U.S. citizenship for qualifying owners (the 51%) born outside the U.S.: one of a state-issued birth certificate, U.S. passport or passport card, Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570), or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240). SBA says not to send Social Security cards.
Formation and ownership papers for your business type. LLC (limited liability company): Articles or Certificate of Organization with amendments, and the Operating Agreement. Corporation: Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, stock ledger, shareholder agreements and meeting minutes. Partnership: partnership agreement. Sole proprietorship: DBA (doing business as) certificate, or IRS SS-4 EIN letter, or latest Schedule C.
Federal business tax returns with all schedules. SBA's document guide lists the last three years. SBA's September 10, 2026 FAQs ask for the two most recent (for returned applications) and for the last two tax years showing operating revenues (Potential for Success FAQ).
Business financial statements (balance sheet and profit and loss statement) prepared under GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) and no more than 180 days old.
Federal personal tax returns for the last three years, with W-2s and schedules, for each owner claiming disadvantage (the owners making up 51%).
Personal financial information for each person claiming economic disadvantage and each spouse, entered in the application (not uploaded).
Statements for each official retirement account (these funds are left out of net worth).
Evidence for the social disadvantage test, such as court rulings, corporate policies, or government findings, plus the owner's self-certification.
Resume showing business management and technical experience.
Up to 10 recent contracts that show your record of performance.
An explanation of any non-commercial (private) loans on the financial statements.
Tax returns and financial statements for any other business an owner has an interest in.
Transmutation agreement, if a married owner lives in a community property state or territory (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI, Guam, Puerto Rico).
Bonding statement or surety letter (construction companies only).
Only if they apply: buy-sell or ownership transfer agreement (ownership changed in the last two years), trust agreement, franchise agreement, letter of non-objection (an owner or household member is a federal employee at GS-13 or above), federal debt payment plan, joint venture, mentor-protege, teaming or consulting agreements, and a written explanation if the highest-paid person is not the qualifying owner.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeUnder 13 CFR 124.204, SBA says within 15 days whether an application is complete and decides within 90 days after it is complete. The clock stops while SBA waits for information it asked for. For resubmitted applications, SBA's September 10, 2026 FAQ says it 'cannot definitively estimate individual processing times,' reviews oldest first, and gives priority to firms in defense-critical industries. Documents must be uploaded within 60 days of starting the application.

CostSBA calls SBA Certifications its 'free online certification process.' No SBA application fee for 8(a) appears on SBA's pages or in the 8(a) rules checked.

RenewalThe 8(a) term lasts at most nine years (13 CFR 124.2): a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transitional stage (13 CFR 124.404). Each year, the firm completes an annual review with a certification of continued eligibility, personal financial information for each disadvantaged owner, records of payments to owners and officers, and a report on each 8(a) contract (13 CFR 124.112). A firm and an individual can take part only once (13 CFR 124.108). SBA says current participants do not have to re-establish social disadvantage at annual review.

Where to sendApply online at SBA Certifications (certifications.sba.gov). Annual reviews are filed on the same site and go to your servicing SBA district office. Questions: certifications@sba.gov or 1-866-443-4110.

Where to get help

SBA Certifications help deskSBA's own help desk for the SBA Certifications site. Email certifications@sba.gov or call 1-866-443-4110 (the number on certifications.sba.gov). SBA's program pages also list 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357).
SBA district officesSBA's local offices. SBA's 8(a) page points applicants to their local SBA district office or an APEX Accelerator counselor 'to help determine if you're ready to apply and prepare.'
APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or PTACs)Local government-contracting counselors. The APEX Accelerators site says they 'offer no-cost guidance and support services to help your business succeed in the government marketplace.' SBA's 8(a) page points applicants to an APEX Accelerator counselor to help decide whether they are ready to apply.
SBA Certifications Knowledge BaseSBA's user guides, document lists and FAQs for the SBA Certifications site. SBA updated the document guides on September 23, 2026.

Watch out

The social disadvantage rule changed on September 10, 2026. SBA's FAQ says the old narrative 'does not comply with current program eligibility requirements' and that SBA cannot approve a pending application under the old standard.
Pending individual-owned applications returned through 'Return to Business' must be resubmitted within 45 calendar days of the notice. SBA says updates do not count until you reach the final page and resubmit.
SBA's defense-critical NAICS codes getting priority review (announced September 10, 2026): 332992, 332993, 336414, 336413, 334511, 334419, 331110, 332710, 332999 and 336611. The list includes 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) and 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing). It does not include 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing).
The online application closes automatically if it shows that an owner the eligibility is based on is not a U.S. citizen, that the firm or owner was in 8(a) before, that the business is not for-profit, or that an individually owned firm has no revenue (13 CFR 124.204).
Economic disadvantage limits in 13 CFR 124.104: personal net worth under $850,000 (not counting the owner's share of the business, home equity, or official retirement accounts); adjusted gross income averaged over three years of $400,000 or less; and total assets of $6.5 million or less. Assets given to family for less than fair value within two years before applying can be counted.
Ownership must be direct. Ownership through another company or a trust does not count, except a revocable living trust where the owner is the grantor, a trustee and the only current beneficiary (13 CFR 124.105). Unexercised stock options, or rights to convert non-voting stock or debentures (a type of debt) into voting stock, held by non-disadvantaged people are treated as already exercised, except interests held by SBA-licensed Small Business Investment Companies.
SBA is auditing the program. Its June 11, 2026 release says SBA ordered all 4,300 8(a) contractors to produce three years of financial documents in December 2025 and suspended over 1,000 that did not comply in January 2026.
If SBA declines an application, the business can reapply after 90 days, according to SBA's Knowledge Base and Potential for Success FAQ.

Official sources

HUBZone program

Who it is for. Small businesses with their principal office in a HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) and at least 35% of employees living in a HUBZone. SBA says the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe.

SBA says the government 'limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones' and gives preference to those businesses in open competitions. HUBZone-certified businesses 'get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions,' according to SBA. Certification lasts three years at a time, and SBA says there is no limit on how long a business can take part while it still meets the rules.

Steps

Check your addresses on the HUBZone mapEnter your principal office address and each employee's home address on SBA's HUBZone map. SBA says the map is due for changes 'at some point in 2026' as Redesignated Areas expire, and again in July 2028.SBA HUBZone map
Find your principal office the way SBA counts itSBA defines the principal office as the location where the greatest number of employees work. An employee counts at the location where they spend more than 50% of their time. For service and construction firms, employees who spend more than half their time at job sites are left out of this count. The business must conduct business at that location.SBA guide: HUBZone documents
Count your HUBZone resident employeesSBA's document guide counts as an 'employee' anyone who worked at least 40 hours in the four weeks right before the application date. The full definition is in 13 CFR 126.103: someone who generally works at least 10 hours a week in that period, or at least 40 hours in total if the business has a legitimate reason for the schedule. At least 35% of employees must live in a HUBZone; a one-employee firm's employee must live in one (13 CFR 126.200). The HUBZone Eligibility Calculator in SBA Certifications does this math, and SBA says you can open and save it before you apply.13 CFR 126.200
Register or renew in SAM.govRegister your business in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) to get a UEI (Unique Entity ID). SAM.gov says registration must be renewed every 365 days. SBA reads your small business size from your SAM.gov profile. SAM.gov's own page says APEX Accelerators give 'free help completing registration in SAM.gov.'SAM.gov entity registration
Create an account and claim your businessGo to certifications.sba.gov, click Sign Up / Login, and create an account. Claim your business with your UEI, CAGE code (if you have one) and TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), then list owners totaling at least 99%.SBA guide: onboarding
Apply and upload your HUBZone documentsSelect HUBZone, fill in the Eligibility Calculator for every employee on payroll, and upload the lease or deed, utility bill, payroll records and proof of residence listed below. Upload everything within 60 days of starting, per SBA's Knowledge Base.SBA Certifications
Sign, submit and answer SBA quicklyAt application, the firm certifies it will 'attempt to maintain' at least 35% HUBZone resident employees while performing any HUBZone contract (13 CFR 126.200). SBA's Knowledge Base says to answer SBA requests within 7 calendar days. SBA decides within 60 calendar days after it has a complete package (13 CFR 126.306).13 CFR 126.306
Recertify every three yearsSubmit your recertification in SBA Certifications during the 90 calendar days before the third anniversary of your certification date (13 CFR 126.500). If the business buys, is bought by, or merges with another business, send SBA proof within 30 calendar days that it still meets the rules (13 CFR 126.501).13 CFR 126.500

What to have ready

Fully signed lease (or rental agreement) or deed (or mortgage statement) for the principal office, in the business's or owner's full legal name. SBA says it must start before the application date and end more than 60 days after it.
Month-to-month lease: an addendum to the expired lease, or proof of three months of payments. Shared workspace: a lease for a dedicated, lockable office not shared with other businesses, with enough desks and chairs for the employees claimed, proof of rent payments, and photos of the door (with suite number) and work stations.
Most recent utility bill for the principal office showing the service address (electric, gas, water, sewer or landline phone). SBA does not accept cell phone or VoIP (internet phone) bills. If utilities are included in the lease, cite the lease page and paragraph and show three months of rent payments.
Property tax bill or insurance policy, if the deed shows only a parcel description.
Official payroll records for the pay periods covering the four weeks right before the application date, showing the company name, employee names, hours, wages, taxes withheld, and pay period dates.
Proof of home address for each HUBZone resident employee: an unexpired driver's license or government ID issued at least 90 days before the application date. If that is not available: a current lease, mortgage statements, or two utility bills covering the application date and the date 90 days before it.
Job descriptions for HUBZone employees who worked 40 to 119 hours in the four-week period, and proof of work (emails with a supervisor, work product, timesheets) if three or more share the same part-time job description.
Agreements and paid invoices for workers from a temp agency, leasing company, union agreement, or PEO (professional employer organization), if any.
Ownership papers for your business type (Articles, Operating Agreement or stock ledger, and so on). SBA's list says corporate bylaws and meeting minutes are not required for HUBZone.
Proof of U.S. citizenship for qualifying owners born outside the U.S. (birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Form FS-240).

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeSBA 'will make its determination within 60 calendar days after receipt of a complete package,' and it does not process incomplete packages (13 CFR 126.306). SBA's September 10, 2026 FAQ says it is keeping 'record low processing times' for HUBZone applications.

CostSBA calls SBA Certifications its 'free online certification process.' No SBA application fee for HUBZone appears on SBA's pages or in the HUBZone rules checked.

RenewalEvery three years. The recertification must be filed in the 90 calendar days before the third anniversary of the certification date. If a firm misses it, SBA decertifies the firm at the end of the period but reinstates it if the firm recertifies within 30 days (13 CFR 126.500). SBA examines each HUBZone firm at least once every three years and says it may visit unannounced.

Where to sendApply and recertify online at SBA Certifications (certifications.sba.gov). Mail contact from SBA's page: Office of the HUBZone Program, 409 3rd St. SW, Suite 8800, Washington, DC 20416. Email certifications@sba.gov.

Where to get help

SBA Certifications help deskSBA's own help desk for the SBA Certifications site. Email certifications@sba.gov or call 1-866-443-4110 (the number on certifications.sba.gov). SBA's program pages also list 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357).
SBA HUBZone mapSBA's official map for checking whether an address is in a HUBZone.
APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or PTACs)Local government-contracting counselors. The APEX Accelerators site says they 'offer no-cost guidance and support services to help your business succeed in the government marketplace.' SBA's 8(a) page points applicants to an APEX Accelerator counselor to help decide whether they are ready to apply.
SBA Certifications Knowledge BaseSBA's user guides, document lists and FAQs for the SBA Certifications site. SBA updated the document guides on September 23, 2026.

Watch out

The HUBZone map changes. SBA says the next updates are 'at some point in 2026, to reflect expiring Redesignated Areas,' during any year for Governor-designated covered areas and Qualified Disaster Areas, and in July 2028 for Qualified Census Tracts and Qualified Non-Metropolitan Counties.
Buying a building or signing a lease of at least 10 years in a HUBZone can protect the principal office for up to 10 years, but not in a Redesignated Area or Qualified Disaster Area, not for shared offices or homes, and not for investments made within 180 days before an area's designation expires (13 CFR 126.200).
The ownership rule lists individuals who are U.S. citizens and certain entities (Alaska Native Corporations, Indian tribal governments, Community Development Corporations, small agricultural cooperatives organized in the U.S., and Native Hawaiian Organizations) as the 51% owners (13 CFR 126.200).
A firm or owner with an active exclusion in SAM.gov, or unpaid significant federal debts (such as tax liens or defaulted federal loans) without an approved repayment plan, cannot be certified (13 CFR 126.200).
If SBA declines an application, the firm can apply again 90 calendar days after the decline (13 CFR 126.309).
SBA says it may visit HUBZone businesses unannounced and run program examinations.

Official sources

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB)

Who it is for. Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, where women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. The regulation adds that the women must live in the U.S. EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) adds personal financial limits for the women owners.

SBA says the government 'limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program.' These set-asides are for industries (NAICS codes) where SBA finds women-owned small businesses are underrepresented, and some are limited further to EDWOSBs. SBA notes that WOSB benefits 'only apply to federal contracting opportunities, rather than those in the private sector.'

Steps

Check that your NAICS code is on SBA's WOSB listWOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are only used in the industries on SBA's list. Look up your NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code and see whether it is marked WOSB or EDWOSB.SBA list of eligible NAICS codes
Register or renew in SAM.govRegister your business in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) to get a UEI (Unique Entity ID). SAM.gov says registration must be renewed every 365 days. SBA reads your size from your SAM.gov profile. SAM.gov's own page says APEX Accelerators give 'free help completing registration in SAM.gov.'SAM.gov entity registration
Choose how to get certifiedApply directly to SBA at no cost (13 CFR 127.300), or go through one of SBA's four approved third-party certifiers (TPCs): El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Women Business Owners Corporation, U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, or Women's Business Enterprise National Council. SBA says TPC-certified firms must still upload proof of citizenship and the TPC certificate to SBA Certifications before bidding on WOSB set-asides.SBA WOSB program page
Create an account and claim your businessGo to certifications.sba.gov, click Sign Up / Login, and create an account. Claim your business with your UEI, CAGE code (if you have one) and TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), then list owners totaling at least 99%.SBA guide: onboarding
Apply for WOSB, EDWOSB or bothSelect the program(s), answer the questionnaires, and upload the documents listed below. For EDWOSB, each woman claiming economic disadvantage, and her spouse, completes personal financial information in the application. Upload everything within 60 days of starting, per SBA's Knowledge Base.SBA guide: WOSB and EDWOSB documents
Sign, submit and answer SBA quicklySBA's Knowledge Base says to answer SBA requests within 7 calendar days. SBA says it will decide 'within 90 calendar days after receipt of a complete package' whenever practicable.13 CFR 127.304
Keep the certification currentUpdate your SAM.gov profile every year so your Small Business Search (SBS) listing stays active, as SBA's page says. Every three years, complete a program examination with SBA or a TPC (13 CFR 127.400).SBA Small Business Search

What to have ready

Proof of U.S. citizenship for qualifying women owners born outside the U.S. (birth certificate, U.S. passport or passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, or Form FS-240).
Proof of name change (marriage certificate, state name-change filing, unexpired passport, or unexpired military ID), if a name differs from the citizenship document.
Formation and ownership papers for your business type: Articles and Operating Agreement (LLC); Articles, bylaws, stock ledger, shareholder agreements and meeting minutes (corporation); partnership agreement; or DBA certificate, IRS SS-4 EIN letter or Schedule C (sole proprietorship).
Resume for each woman owner showing education or training, other businesses owned, current duties and past jobs.
A statement explaining any outside job an owner has with another business.
Existing certification, if any: a TPC certificate, or an 8(a) annual review letter (or acceptance letter in the first year). SBA says these can speed up review.
EDWOSB only, for the women making up 51% ownership: federal personal tax returns for the last three years (with W-2s and schedules), federal business tax returns for the last three years, financial statements, retirement account statements issued within 30 days of submission, and personal financial information entered in the application.
Only if they apply: buy-sell agreement (ownership changed in the last two years), trust agreement, franchise agreement, letter of non-objection for a federal employee at GS-13 or above, federal debt payment plan, joint venture or other control agreements, and an explanation if the highest-paid person is not the qualifying owner.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeSBA says, 'Whenever practicable, SBA will make its determination within 90 calendar days after receipt of a complete package' (SBA certifications page; 13 CFR 127.304). SBA's September 10, 2026 FAQ says it is keeping 'record low processing times' for WOSB/EDWOSB.

CostFree from SBA. The rule says, 'There is no cost to apply to SBA for certification' (13 CFR 127.300). Third-party certifiers may charge 'a reasonable fee,' but must first tell applicants in writing 'that SBA offers certification for free' (13 CFR 127.353).

RenewalA program examination every three years by SBA or a TPC. The firm must recertify with SBA, or tell SBA it finished a TPC examination, within 90 calendar days of the end of its eligibility period. A firm that misses this is decertified but is reinstated if it recertifies within 30 days (13 CFR 127.400). SBA's page says the annual attestation is 'currently in abeyance,' so firms do not have to submit one each year right now. Update SAM.gov every year.

Where to sendApply online at SBA Certifications (certifications.sba.gov), or through an SBA-approved TPC and then upload the TPC certificate and proof of citizenship to SBA Certifications. Email certifications@sba.gov.

Where to get help

SBA Certifications help deskSBA's own help desk for the SBA Certifications site. Email certifications@sba.gov or call 1-866-443-4110 (the number on certifications.sba.gov). SBA's program pages also list 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357).
Women's Business Centers (WBCs)SBA-funded centers that SBA says 'provide free, to low-cost counseling and training' for women starting and growing businesses. Find one with SBA's local assistance tool.
APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or PTACs)Local government-contracting counselors. The APEX Accelerators site says they 'offer no-cost guidance and support services to help your business succeed in the government marketplace.' SBA's 8(a) page points applicants to an APEX Accelerator counselor to help decide whether they are ready to apply.
SBA Certifications Knowledge BaseSBA's user guides, document lists and FAQs for the SBA Certifications site. SBA updated the document guides on September 23, 2026.

Watch out

Set-asides only cover NAICS codes on SBA's list. SBA's newest posted list is titled '2022 EDWOSB and WOSB NAICS.' It marks these codes as WOSB: 336411 Aircraft Manufacturing, 336412 Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing, 336413 Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing, 334511 Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing, 541330 Engineering Services, 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, and 488190 Other Support Activities for Air Transportation.
A woman must hold the highest officer position and generally work full time in the business during normal hours. Outside employment that prevents her from controlling the business is not allowed (13 CFR 127.202).
EDWOSB limits for each woman owner (13 CFR 127.203): personal net worth under $850,000 (not counting her share of the business, her home equity, or official retirement accounts); adjusted gross income averaged over three years of $400,000 or less; and total assets of $6.5 million or less.
A certified 8(a) participant owned and controlled by women qualifies as an EDWOSB under 13 CFR 127.300.
Women-owned small businesses that do not want WOSB set-aside or sole-source contracts can keep self-certifying for other awards (13 CFR 127.200).
TPC certifications obtained before October 2020 count only for existing contracts, according to SBA's page.
If SBA or a TPC declines an application, the firm can apply again 90 calendar days after the decline (13 CFR 127.305).
A firm or owner with an active exclusion in SAM.gov, or unpaid significant federal debts without an approved repayment plan, cannot be certified (13 CFR 127.200).

Official sources

Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert): VOSB and SDVOSB

Who it is for. Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans (VOSB, veteran-owned small business) or service-disabled veterans (SDVOSB, service-disabled veteran-owned small business) who live in the U.S. The VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) identifies veteran and service-disabled status. For an SDVOSB, if the service-disabled veteran has a VA-rated permanent and total disability and cannot manage daily operations, the rule also covers the veteran's spouse or permanent caregiver who lives in the U.S. (13 CFR 128.200).

SBA took over veteran business certification from the VA on January 1, 2023. SBA says certification 'allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government,' and certified VOSBs have more set-aside and sole-source chances at the VA under its Vets First program. Certification lasts three years and can be renewed with no limit on the number of times.

Steps

Confirm your veteran status with the VASBA's VetCert FAQ says the VA validates veteran status. SBA matches the address in your application against the residence address in your VA.gov profile, and a mismatch sends the application back for correction. To update your veteran status, SBA's FAQ says to contact the VA. The VA lists 800-698-2411 (MyVA411, 24/7) as its main information line.SBA FAQ: who validates veteran status
Register or renew in SAM.govRegister your business in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) to get a UEI (Unique Entity ID). SAM.gov says registration must be renewed every 365 days. SBA's VetCert FAQ says to have your UEI and the bank account number on your SAM.gov profile ready; SBA uses the account number only to confirm identity. SAM.gov's own page says APEX Accelerators give 'free help completing registration in SAM.gov.'SAM.gov entity registration
Create an account or sign inGo to certifications.sba.gov and click Sign Up / Login. SBA's guide says people with an existing VetCert, SBA Loan Portal or CAFS account sign in with that account instead of creating a new one.SBA guide: create an account
Claim your businessEnter your UEI, CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code, if you have one) and TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number). List owners totaling at least 99% and name the highest-paid person and the day-to-day manager.SBA guide: onboarding
Quick Apply: sole proprietorships and single-owner LLCsSBA's guide says veterans who own a sole proprietorship or a single-owner LLC can start Quick Apply from the dashboard and answer a set of attestations. If Quick Apply does not approve the business right away, SBA says that is not a decline; it means a full application is needed.SBA guide: Quick Apply
Or complete the full applicationSelect VOSB or SDVOSB, answer the questionnaires, and upload the ownership and control documents listed below. SBA's list says VOSB and SDVOSB applicants do not need to send proof of citizenship. Upload everything within 60 days of starting, per SBA's Knowledge Base.SBA guide: ownership and control documents
Sign, submit and answer SBA quicklySBA's Knowledge Base says to answer SBA requests within 7 calendar days. SBA sends its decision to the email address on the application (13 CFR 128.302).SBA Certifications
Recertify every three yearsRecertify in SBA Certifications within the 90 calendar days before your eligibility period ends (13 CFR 128.306). Tell SBA about changes that may affect eligibility within 30 calendar days.13 CFR 128.306

What to have ready

Sole proprietorship: one of an IRS SS-4 EIN letter, a fictitious name or trade name certificate, or the latest Schedule C.
LLC: Articles or Certificate of Organization with amendments, the Operating Agreement with amendments, and meeting minutes that show current operating practices (SBA's current document guide marks minutes optional for LLCs).
Corporation: Articles of Incorporation with amendments, bylaws, stock ledger, shareholder agreements, and meeting minutes.
Partnership: the partnership agreement with amendments, plus (for general partnerships) a Schedule K-1, Schedule C, IRS SS-4 letter, or fictitious name certificate.
Your SAM.gov UEI and the bank account number on your SAM.gov profile (for identity confirmation, per SBA's VetCert FAQ).
Marriage certificate, if a surviving spouse who has not remarried owns the business or prepares the application.
The caregiver's formal appointment and the VA's written determination that the veteran has a permanent and total service-connected disability, if a caregiver prepares the application.
8(a) or WOSB participants: the most recent annual review or acceptance documents can support the application (13 CFR 128.303).
If the firm was denied or decertified in the past 3 years: a full written explanation of why and what has changed (13 CFR 128.303).
Only if they apply: buy-sell agreement (ownership changed in the last two years), trust agreement, franchise agreement, letter of non-objection for a federal employee at GS-13 or above, federal debt payment plan, and joint venture or other control agreements.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeThe VetCert rules do not set a fixed number of days. SBA's VetCert FAQ (last updated December 2023) says SBA 'intends to maintain a 30-day average for certification application review and decisions once a complete application is received.' SBA's September 10, 2026 FAQ says it is keeping 'record low processing times' for VOSB/SDVOSB. Quick Apply can approve some sole proprietorships and single-owner LLCs right away.

CostSBA calls SBA Certifications its 'free online certification process.' No SBA application fee for VetCert appears on SBA's pages or in the VetCert rules checked.

RenewalEvery three years, with no limit on the number of renewals. The firm can recertify during the 90 calendar days before its eligibility period ends. A firm that misses it is decertified but is reinstated if it recertifies within 30 days. Changes that may affect eligibility must be reported within 30 calendar days (13 CFR 128.306).

Where to sendApply and recertify online at SBA Certifications (certifications.sba.gov). Help: certifications@sba.gov or 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Mail contact from SBA's page: Office of Veterans Business Development, 409 3rd St. SW, Suite 5700, Washington, DC 20416.

Where to get help

SBA Certifications help deskSBA's own help desk for the SBA Certifications site. Email certifications@sba.gov or call 1-866-443-4110 (the number on certifications.sba.gov). SBA's program pages also list 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357).
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)SBA resource partners that SBA says provide 'entrepreneurial development services to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members interested in starting or growing a small business.' The cost is not stated on that page.
APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or PTACs)Local government-contracting counselors. The APEX Accelerators site says they 'offer no-cost guidance and support services to help your business succeed in the government marketplace.' SBA's 8(a) page points applicants to an APEX Accelerator counselor to help decide whether they are ready to apply.
U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWhere veteran and service-disabled status is recorded. SBA's FAQ says to contact the VA to update veteran status. The VA's contact page lists 800-698-2411 (MyVA411 main information line, 24/7).

Watch out

A business must be SBA-certified to win a VOSB or SDVOSB set-aside or sole-source contract (13 CFR 128.200). Self-certification for SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts ended January 1, 2024, for firms that had not applied by December 31, 2023. Self-certification for SDVOSB prime contracts and subcontracts to count toward federal goals ended for firms that had not applied by December 22, 2024.
VA set-aside and sole-source contracts for VOSBs and SDVOSBs require SBA certification. SBA says there is 'no self-certification provision for these unique opportunities.'
The veterans must live in the U.S. (13 CFR 128.200).
If SBA's denial becomes final, the business must update its VOSB or SDVOSB status in SAM.gov within two days (13 CFR 128.302).
If SBA declines an application, the firm can apply again 90 calendar days after the decline (13 CFR 128.305).
A firm or owner with an active exclusion in SAM.gov, or unpaid significant federal debts without an approved repayment plan, cannot be certified (13 CFR 128.201).
State contracts: SBA's FAQ says some states accept federal VOSB or SDVOSB certification and some have their own process, so each state has to be checked.

Official sources

Last checked September 25, 2026. Rules, fees and programs change; the official sources are where to confirm them before applying or spending money.

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