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Home » Program » Minority/Disadvantaged Business Certification and Development Program

Minority/Disadvantaged Business Certification and Development Program

Total votes: 29
Detail Description: 

The Minority/Disadvantaged Business Certification and Development Program, or 8(a) Business Development program, is a nine year federal government contracting certification program established to assist eligible socially and economically disadvantaged individuals develop and grow their businesses. Business development assistance includes one-to-one counseling, training workshops, and other management and technical guidance. Eligible businesses must be a small business by SBA size standards; owned (at least 51 percent) by one or more individuals who qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged, and who are US citizens of good character; controlled, managed, and operated by one or more individuals who qualify as disadvantaged, and; demonstrate potential for success (generally by being in business for at least two full years) before applying. Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity as a member of a group without regard to their individual capabilities. The following individuals are presumed to be socially disadvantaged: Black Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans. For additional information, visit www.sba.gov/8a.

Eligibility: 

Small Businesses that are unconditionally owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, to include such businesses that are owned and controlled by Tribes, ANCs, NHOs, and CDCs.

Learn More: 
http://www.sba.gov/8a
Contact Information
Small Business Administration
SBA AnswerDesk
Office of Government Contracting and Business Development

1-800-827-5722

Comments

Kenneth Jefferson's picture

Submitted by Kenneth Jefferson (not verified) on April 5, 2012 - 1:39pm
My name is Kenneth Jefferson and I would like assistance in financing my business. I have started a lawn care and parking lot repair business. There are materials and equipment that I use and borrowing and renting is too expensive. I am not making ends meet. I am putting out more than I make. I have the customers for both but the equipment that I rent is out dated for the parking lot repair and the mix be it hot or cold is expensive since I do not have a truck to haul it. I do not have a bomag, I rent one and my lawn mowers are old. If you have information on how I can get financial assistance or get my credit together so can get a loan or apply for a grant, it would be greatly appreciated.
cslating's picture

Submitted by cslating on April 6, 2012 - 10:28am

Comment was deleted.

Ty Canton's picture

Submitted by Ty Canton (not verified) on April 17, 2012 - 11:17am

Comment was deleted.

S Delgado's picture

Submitted by S Delgado (not verified) on April 27, 2012 - 12:42pm

Comment was deleted.

Adonis williams's picture

Submitted by Adonis williams (not verified) on May 1, 2012 - 6:05pm

Comment was deleted.

jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on May 3, 2012 - 10:38am

Comment was deleted.

eduardo merricks's picture

Submitted by eduardo merricks (not verified) on May 14, 2012 - 3:16pm
I'am a 23 year old, African-American male who, resides in the state of Florida. I would like to start my own diner. I recently notice there isn't any good diners in my area that provide good, quality food. My credit isn't good. Is there any programs, that can help me obtain the necessary funds.
jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on May 18, 2012 - 2:40pm

There are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1-800-624-0345 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1-800-827-5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov.

Margaret's picture

Submitted by Margaret (not verified) on May 17, 2012 - 12:16pm
Hello, My Husband and I started out 1 truck business in 2006 as a team operation, 48 states. We got custody of our 2 1/2 year old Grandson in 2008, He is 6 yrs old now. I had to step down as a team driver to take care of him while my husband is local now. We went Incorporate in 2011 not by our wishes, but the Company we are partners with. I am asking if there is any financing available to grow my business to excell. We are struggling, my Husband is the only one who works and I am learning how to run a "Corporation" while taking care of my grandson. If there are any programs out there that fit my needs please I need help. Thank You
jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on May 21, 2012 - 1:13pm

There are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1-800-624-0345 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1-800-827-5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov.

Linda's picture

Submitted by Linda (not verified) on June 3, 2012 - 1:19pm
Hello, I would like to start my Commercial Cleaning for Business Offices in the Los Angeles area need assistance or advise to get this started off and running. Have all the ideas and tools to start the business need help for putting this into action. Are there any programs out there for this type of service or government grants to get me started?
jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on June 5, 2012 - 2:45pm

There are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1.800.634.0245 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1.800.827.5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov.

Philip's picture

Submitted by Philip (not verified) on June 5, 2012 - 10:11am

Comment was deleted.

jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on June 5, 2012 - 1:01pm

If you are looking for financing then there are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1.800.634.0245 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1.800.827.5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov.

jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on June 5, 2012 - 1:17pm

If you are looking for financing then there are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1.800.634.0245 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1.800.827.5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov.

jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on June 5, 2012 - 2:46pm

Comment was deleted.

cslating's picture

Submitted by cslating on June 15, 2012 - 5:33pm

There are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1.800.634.0245 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1.800.827.5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov
• Contact a Minority Business Enterprise Center. To request personal assistance, go to http://www.mbda.gov/main/offices to connect with an office near you.

Good luck with your business venture!

Mrs Griffin's picture

Submitted by Mrs Griffin (not verified) on June 20, 2012 - 1:13pm
I am an Africa American Cancer patient/survivor and mother of 2 school aged children that can no longer work in the general workforce due to complications due to post Cancer treatments so I am looking to start/expand a multi media business (my area of expertise). The problem I have run into is since I started my battle with cancer, I am now on disability, I have no regular sorce of income, have sold any assets to survive, and my a+ credit rating has plummeted. Every time I try to contact govermnment assistance agencies for small businesses they inform me that they only have "loans" that require either good greed it, income, and/or collateral, all of which as stated above, are no longer sufficient. Where can I go for assistance that does NOT require good credit, current income, and collateral that will grant "Working Capitol" to start or expand a business that will also secure work for many unemployed or under employed people (in the arts and entertainment) as well?
cslating's picture

Submitted by cslating on June 21, 2012 - 4:55pm

Hello. Please contact your local SBA district office. They can go over your situation and recommend some next steps. They will most likely ask you to work with a small business advisor in your area who can help with strategies for obtaining a loan or other financing. To find your local SBA district office, please go here: www.sba.gov/localresources. Another resource available to you is a Minority Business Development Center. To request personal assistance, go to http://www.mbda.gov/main/offices to connect with an office near you.

Good luck with your business venture.

Nelson Garcia's picture

Submitted by Nelson Garcia (not verified) on June 25, 2012 - 1:45pm

Comment was deleted.

Radishin's picture

Submitted by Radishin (not verified) on June 26, 2012 - 8:33am
hello i am co-owner of radishin company we are developing websites and make websites for the businessmens and organisations and also do software consultancyn we currently do our business in india now wish to register it in USA kindly help me. u can visit us at www.radishin.in or you can email us at radishin@gmail.com
Zane & Akilah's picture

Submitted by Zane & Akilah (not verified) on June 26, 2012 - 6:50pm
Hi, we are interested in starting a small food cart business. We are african-american and are trying to find out where we can find grants. We do not have good credit and hope that we can eventually have the business grow to opening up an actual establishment.
jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on July 18, 2012 - 2:55pm

There are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1.800.634.0245 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1.800.827.5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov.

Truck Driver's picture

Submitted by Truck Driver (not verified) on July 11, 2012 - 12:34pm
I started a car carrier business and I wanted to know how I could get funding for my business and my credit is not great, but I know once I get the help that I need my business would be successful. Is there any funding that I could get that help tractor trailer drivers. Or in the trucking field.
jaardappel's picture

Submitted by jaardappel on July 18, 2012 - 2:54pm

There are a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses – including loans and training.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center. Go to www.asbdc-us.org to find an office near you.
• Connect with a business mentor. Visit www.score.org or call 1.800.634.0245 to find a SCORE chapter in your area.
• Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at 1.800.827.5722 or submit your question to answerdesk@sba.gov.

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