XL EagleSBA (Small Business Administration)
SBA stands for Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal agency that supports small businesses with loans, counseling, and government contracting programs. It sets the size standards that decide whether a company counts as small for each NAICS code.
For contracting, SBA certifies firms for the 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned Small Business, and veteran-owned (VetCert) programs. It also decides size protests and works with agencies to meet small business goals.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Many federal contracts are reserved for small businesses, and SBA rules decide who qualifies. Check your size standard before you bid, and see whether you qualify for a certification. A certification can open set-aside contracts with fewer competitors.
Example
A veteran who owns a fencing company applies for SDVOSB certification through SBA so it can compete on service-disabled veteran set-asides at a nearby base.
SBA: common questions
How do I know if I count as a small business?
Look up your primary NAICS code in SBA's size standards table. Each code has a limit based on average annual revenue or number of employees.
Does SBA award contracts?
Mostly no. Agencies award contracts. SBA certifies firms, sets the rules for set-asides, and partners with agencies on programs like 8(a).
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