Rendering

Certifying Agencies

WHAT IS A SMALL BUSINESS?

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) defines a business concern as one that is organized for profit; has a place of business in the U.S.; operates primarily within the U.S. or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor; is independently owned and operated; and is not dominant in its field on a national basis. The business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or any other legal form.

TYPES OF SMALL BUSINESSES

The following are types of small businesses. Businesses can self certify for all the categories except for HUBZone which requires SBA Certification.

  • Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
  • Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) -* Requires SBA Certification
  • Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
  • Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
  • Historically Black College or University/Minority Institution (HBCU/ MI)
  • Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs)
  • Indian Tribes

U .S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers certification for the following small business categories: Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) and 8(a). Please see www.sba.gov for more information.

The SBA has established numerical definitions, or “size standards”, for all for-profit industries. Size standards represent the largest size that a business (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may remain classified as a small business concern. These size standards apply to the SBA’s financial assistance and to its other programs, as well as to Federal government procurement programs when there is a benefit available to qualifying as small business concern. Please see http://www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities/officials/size/index.html.

CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (CCR)

The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. Current and potential federal government registrants are required to be registered in CCR in order to be awarded contracts by the federal government. Registrants must update or renew their registration at least once a year to maintain an active status. Please see https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Federal Regulation and Reporting

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers

Small Business Opportunities

Organizations & Associations