Set-Aside Eligibility Self-Check Worksheet: 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone (Free)

Threshold tests that apply to every program

• The firm is a small business under the SBA size standard for its primary NAICS code (13 CFR Part 121) — check receipts or employee count against the current threshold.
• The firm is organised for profit, located in the United States, and the qualifying owners are U.S. citizens.
• The qualifying owners hold at least 51 percent of the ownership directly and unconditionally (no options, agreements or arrangements that could shift control).
• The qualifying owners control the firm: highest officer position, day-to-day management and long-term decisions, with no non-qualifying person or entity able to block or overrule them.
• Affiliation checked — ties to other firms through common ownership, management or economic dependence can push you over size.
• SAM.gov registration Active; certifications are applied for through certify.sba.gov (or the SBA VetCert platform for veteran programs).

Ownership and control snapshot

8(a) Business Development program

Nine-year program for firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Sole-source and set-aside opportunities plus business development support.

• Qualifying owner(s) are socially disadvantaged — since 2023, every applicant establishes this with a personal narrative and evidence rather than by membership in a group alone.
• Qualifying owner(s) are economically disadvantaged: personal net worth, adjusted gross income and total assets each under the SBA's current limits (excluding certain items such as equity in the firm and the primary residence — verify the current figures at sba.gov).
• Firm has been in business, generating revenue in its primary industry, generally for two years (a waiver is possible with a strong showing).
• Owner devotes full time to the firm; character requirements met (no current debarment, certain offences disqualify).
• Documents to gather: three years of business and personal tax returns, financial statements, formation documents, résumés, bank statements, the social-disadvantage narrative.

WOSB and EDWOSB

Set-asides in industries where women-owned businesses are under-represented (WOSB) and substantially under-represented (EDWOSB); the eligible NAICS lists are published by SBA.

• 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens; a woman holds the highest officer position and manages daily operations.
• Certification through SBA (certify.sba.gov) or an SBA-approved third-party certifier — self-certification alone has not been accepted for set-aside awards since 2020.
• EDWOSB adds economic-disadvantage tests on the woman owner(s) (personal net worth, AGI and total assets under the current SBA limits).
• Check that your NAICS code is on the current WOSB or EDWOSB eligible list — set-asides are only available in listed industries.
• Documents: formation and ownership documents, bylaws/operating agreement, résumés, proof of citizenship, and for EDWOSB personal financial statements and tax returns.

SDVOSB and VOSB

Set-asides and sole-source authority for service-disabled veteran-owned firms government-wide, and for veteran-owned firms at the VA. Certification moved to SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program in 2023.

• 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more veterans (VOSB) or service-disabled veterans (SDVOSB).
• The veteran holds the highest officer position, manages daily operations and long-term decisions, and — with limited exceptions — is the highest-compensated person (or can justify why not).
• Service-connected disability documented by the VA (a rating letter or discharge documents showing service-connected disability).
• Apply through the SBA VetCert portal; certifications are valid for three years.
• Documents: DD-214, VA disability letter (SDVOSB), formation and ownership documents, operating agreement or bylaws, résumés.

HUBZone

Set-asides, sole-source authority and a price-evaluation preference for firms located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones.

• Principal office (where the greatest number of employees perform their work) is located in a HUBZone — check the address on SBA's HUBZone map; zones change when census data updates.
• At least 35 percent of employees reside in a HUBZone (with rules for what counts as an employee and how residence is measured).
• 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Indian tribe, an Alaska Native Corporation, or a Native Hawaiian Organization.
• Annual recertification, with the 35 percent test re-applied — plan hiring around it.
• Documents: lease or deed for the principal office, payroll and employee residence records, formation and ownership documents.