8(a) & MBE Certification Experts
8(a) & MBE Certification — Federal, State & Corporate Opportunities
8(a) is the most powerful federal certification for small disadvantaged businesses — agencies can award contracts directly to you without competitive bidding. MBE opens corporate and state supplier diversity programs. FEDCON handles both.
Free consultation · No obligation
The Challenge
The Certification Process Is Overwhelming
Unclear eligibility — SBA definitions of social and economic disadvantage are confusing and the net worth rules have nuances that trip up qualified applicants.
Confused about whether to pursue 8(a), MBE, or both — each targets different markets and has different requirements.
Not enough time — the application demands extensive documentation, a personal narrative, financial disclosures, and tax records that take weeks to assemble correctly.
Fear of costly mistakes — a single error or missing document can delay your application for months or result in outright denial, forcing you to start over.
Why FEDCON
8(a) & MBE Consultants Who Know the Process
Deep experience navigating 8(a) and MBE applications — we've helped hundreds of small businesses through federal and state certification processes and know what reviewers look for.
We understand both programs inside and out — from 8(a) net worth calculations and narrative requirements to MBE/NMSDC eligibility — so you pursue the right certification the first time.
A structured, step-by-step approach that keeps your application moving forward — no guesswork, no missed deadlines, no surprises.
9 Years
8(a) Program Duration
No-Bid
Direct awards to 8(a) firms
$40B+
In Annual 8(a) Awards
5%
Federal SDB Contracting Goal
Our Process
How FEDCON Gets You 8(a) or MBE Certified
Request Support
Tell us about your business and we'll evaluate your eligibility for 8(a), MBE, or both — at no cost.
Work With Your Consultant
Your dedicated FEDCON consultant assembles your full application — eligibility documentation, financial disclosures, and a compelling personal narrative.
Get Certified & Win
We submit your application, handle all follow-up, and support you through approval so you can start pursuing federal, state, and corporate contracts.
What's Included
Complete 8(a) & MBE Application Support
Eligibility Review
We evaluate your ownership structure, net worth, business age, and disadvantaged status against current SBA requirements before you invest time in an application.
Narrative Drafting
The personal narrative is where most applications fail. FEDCON writes a compelling, SBA-compliant narrative that clearly demonstrates social and economic disadvantage.
Document Preparation
We gather and organize every required document: tax returns, financial statements, business licenses, contracts, and personal financial disclosures.
SBA Response Support
If the SBA requests additional information or clarification during review, FEDCON handles all responses to keep your application moving toward approval.
Independent Ratings
4.9/5
Trustpilot
4.9/5
A+
BBB Rating
Client Results
Trusted by Small Businesses Nationwide
“The whole process has been amazing from every level. I never have to wait long periods of time for replies. I look forward to continuing working with them. 10/10 recommend!!!”
Alan Lindsay
Trustpilot Review
“Philip and his colleagues, Justin and Marina, are a knock out team. They have fresh innovative ideas, cutting edge tools and old fashioned politeness. It feels like the sky is the limit for our company.”
Jane
Google Review
“The FEDCON team and especially Philip has been a tremendous help throughout this entire process. He constantly has new ideas and information on tools and strategies for our company to thrive in the federal contracting sector. We consider FEDCON a trusted partner.”
Rocky Hobbs
Trustpilot Review
“FEDCON has proven to be a wonderful asset as we build our federal client list. Philip is incredibly knowledgeable and so responsive. I have learned so much working with him.”
Sara Strickhouser
Google Review
“Phillip, our consultant, is extremely knowledgeable and provides clear guidance, making the federal process much easier to understand. FEDCON has proven to be a valuable investment.”
April Chavez
Trustpilot Review
“The process was efficient, and I've had good communication with my program coordinator. She made me feel comfortable through the whole process.”
Hawkins M.
Trustpilot Review
FAQ
Common Questions About 8(a) & MBE Certification
8(a) is a federal certification through the SBA that gives access to federal set-aside contracts, direct awards without competitive bidding, and 9 years of business development support. MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) is a state and private-sector certification through NMSDC that opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and state/local government contracts. 8(a) targets federal opportunities; MBE targets corporate, state, and local markets. Many minority-owned businesses benefit from holding both.
To qualify, you must be a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual who is a U.S. citizen. The owner's personal net worth must be under $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity), the business must have been operational for at least two years, and the owner must demonstrate good character.
MBE certification requires that the business be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority group members (African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or other recognized minority groups). There is no net worth cap like the 8(a) program, and no minimum years in business. MBE certification through NMSDC is widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies and state agencies.
Yes, and many minority-owned businesses do. 8(a) gives you access to federal set-aside contracts and direct awards, while MBE opens corporate supplier diversity programs and state/local opportunities. Holding both maximizes the range of contracts you can compete for across all markets.
The owner's personal net worth must be below $850,000. This calculation excludes the value of your primary residence and your equity in the 8(a) business itself. MBE certification does not have a personal net worth cap. FEDCON reviews your financial picture during the eligibility assessment to recommend the right certification path.
The SBA typically takes 90 days to process an 8(a) application, but incomplete or poorly prepared applications can be delayed for months or rejected outright. MBE certification through NMSDC generally takes 30 to 60 days. FEDCON prepares your entire application package to maximize your chance of first-time approval.
If your application was denied, FEDCON reviews the SBA's feedback, identifies the specific deficiencies, and helps you build a stronger resubmission. Many denied applications fail due to narrative weaknesses or missing documentation — issues we specialize in resolving.
8(a) certification preparation is $2,495. MBE certification is $795. FEDCON offers a free initial consultation to evaluate your eligibility for both programs and recommend the right path — there's no obligation.
Get Started
Request 8(a) or MBE Application Help
Tell us about your business and we'll evaluate your eligibility for 8(a), MBE, or both at no cost. Most consultations take 15 minutes.