Certify as a small business

Not sure you qualify as a small business or for one of the SBA assistance programs? You can check using the SBA Size Standards Tool.

Also, your business is allowed to have more than one type of certification.

You need to be certified as a small business before you can pursue set-aside opportunities. This process may take several weeks to months to complete.

If you plan to apply to be a Schedule holder as well, complete your small business certification first.

How to certify as a small business

  • Small and Small Disadvantaged Businesses

    There is no formal certification process. You are able to self-certify as a small or small disadvantaged business when you register on SAM.gov.

  • Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

    You must apply for certification through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vets First Verification Program.

  • Woman-Owned, HUBZone, or 8(a) Small Businesses

    You must apply for your certification through the U.S. Small Business Administration at certify.sba.gov.

For more information, view our resources for small businesses or connect with one of our small business specialists .

  1. Register your business completed
  2. Certify as small (optional)
  3. Schedule offer (optional) not completed
  4. Market your business not completed
  5. Research solicitations not completed
  6. Respond to a solicitation not completed
  7. What to expect next not completed
Last Reviewed: 2023-05-01