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8a Magazine’s content is provided by the federal and state certification and contracting industry experts of ez8a, Advance GSA, Government Marketing, Advance 8a and Fedvital, as well as guest contributors that are at the top of their field. Aspiring 8a Articles are designed to focus on the advantages a firm can realize by pursuing the SBA’s 8a Certification. While our articles highlight different aspects of the certification process, further exploration of the subject matter or even issues that we have yet to discuss (or haven’t discussed in a while) may be at the top of your mind. Click ‘Ask An Expert’ to send a note directly to our resident Aspiring 8a Expert, Todd Luttenegger. From there, Todd can help answer any questions your firm may have concerning the 8a Certification process. Ask an Expert
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Aspiring 8a

The 8(a) Pool Just Got Drained – Here’s Your Opening

For almost a decade, the number of 8(a) firms sat between 5,500 and 6,000. Then came the SBA's 2025 compliance crackdown — and a year of virtually no replacements. Today the 8(a) pool sits.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

Hidden Gems: 8 Niche Industries Where 8(a) Firms are Thriving

When most people think about 8(a) businesses in the federal space, a few industries come to mind right away: IT, construction, and management consulting. And it's true—those three dominate.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

Why do 8(a) Firms Load Up on NAICS Codes?

Most small businesses operating in the federal marketplace list just 3 to 5 NAICS codes—a tight cluster that reflects their core capabilities. But 8(a) firms? That’s a completely different story. The average 8(a) participant lists.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

Moving the Goalposts for Social Disadvantage Requirements with 8(a) Firms

The SBA issued a proposed rule entitled “Reforms to Remove SBA’s 8(a) Program’s Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage for Individually Owned Firms Only; Reforms Do Not.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

Drive Business Success with 8(a) Certification

The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to help small businesses, particularly those owned by disadvantaged individuals, access federal contracts and improve their business skills. The 8(a) BD Program provides.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

Why the Death of the 8(a) Program Has Doubled the Revenue Per Firm

The news changes public perception but not reality. Perception for many is that the 8(a) BD Program is “too difficult to bother with” compared to what it once was. However public perception often creates.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

Common Mistakes People Make When Seeking an 8(a) Certification

Navigating the 8(a) Certification process can be a complex journey for small business owners, and many fall into common pitfalls that can derail their applications. From misunderstanding revenue sources to mishandling personal.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

2026 – Upcoming GSA Fork in Your Road

The old optimistic adage says, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” implying that a strong economy carries everyone forward. But as we navigate the federal landscape of 2026, the tide is actually receding for most. For small.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

How to Make Federal AI Procurement “Love Your 8a”

A study was conducted in 2024 by our team, results showed that an 8(a) firm with a GSA Schedule gets about $1 Million per year in federal sales from the GSA Schedule. But when taking a closer look we found that.... View More
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Aspiring 8a

8(a) Your Business Startup Factory

The 8(a) Certification can dramatically change the development of a small business. I have personally seen firms go from a single employee to a $10 Million+ concern in a 5-year period in some cases through.... View More
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