Some Caucasian women-owned businesses may mistakenly assume they are not eligible for the 8(a) program, which is designed to support socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, because they do not fit the commonly perceived definition of a minority business.

Caucasian women-owned businesses can actually qualify for the 8(a) Certification, as long as they meet the established criteria and provide the necessary documentation and proof of their disadvantaged status.

To participate in the 8(a) BD Program, businesses must meet the following requirements:

-Meet the definition of a small business

-Not have previously participated in the 8(a) program

-Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, and provide proof of their disadvantaged status

-Meet specific financial criteria, including:

            Personal net worth of $850 thousand or less

            Adjusted gross income of $400 thousand or less

            Total assets valued at $6.5 million or less

-Demonstrate good character

-Have been in business for at least two years

When applying for an 8(a) Certification, you’ll need to submit a social disadvantage narrative. This narrative aims to prove that you, as an individual, have faced social disadvantage due to circumstances beyond your control.

In the narrative, you need to tell a story about how you've been unfairly treated because of your race, ethnicity, or gender. This can be due to things like racism, discrimination, or bias. You need to show how this has affected your business and career. To prove your claim, you should provide evidence that supports your story, like documents or witness statements. You also need to show that this unfair treatment happened in the United States, having a significant impact on your life.

Can a Caucasian female really get certified?

The simple answer is "yes," although it is difficult. Handicap business owners and woman business owners can get certified especially since the SBA lowered the standard to "preponderance of evidence."

While many Caucasian women-owned businesses may assume they are not eligible for the 8(a) BD Program, the reality is that they can indeed qualify for certification. To do so, they must meet the established criteria and provide sufficient documentation to support their claim of social and economic disadvantage. If you're a Caucasian woman-owned business and are interested in exploring your eligibility for the 8(a) BD Program, we encourage you to take the first step. Don't assume you're not eligible without giving it a try.

I recommend contacting an industry expert like ez8a or Advance 8a today to discuss your case and learn more about the certification process. Their team of experts can guide you through the application process and help you navigate the complex requirements. Don't miss out on this opportunity to access valuable resources and benefits. Give them a call today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your business goals. Neither charge for an initial consultation.