An SBA designation for businesses that meet size standards set for each NAICS code. Most manufacturing companies with 500 employees or fewer, and most non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million, will qualify as a small business. See Title 13 Part 121.201 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information

An SBA program that helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities that meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a small business.
• Not already have participated in the 8(a) program.
• Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged.
• Be owned by someone whose personal net worth is $750,000 or less.
• Be owned by someone whose average adjusted gross income for three years is $350,000 or less.
• Be owned by someone with $6 million or less in assets.
• Have the owner manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions.
• Have all its principals demonstrate good character.
• Show potential for success and be able to perform successfully on contracts.

See Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.