SBA extends development program by one year

The Small Business Administration is allowing participants in the 8(a) Development Program to opt for a one-year extension of the program, according to a news release from the agency.

The 8(a) program targets businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged groups through a nine-year program intended to grow those businesses while providing opportunities to participate in government contracting.

Eligible firms must have participated in the program between March 13 and Sept. 9 of 2020; firms that were terminated, graduated early or withdrew are not eligible. Firms admitted on or after Sept. 10, 2020, are also not eligible.

Automatic extensions are applied to businesses participating in the program on Jan. 13, 2021, and businesses that voluntarily suspended participation due to COVID-19.

Graduated firms seeking readmittance must apply for an extension by March 15.

For more information, email 8aQuestions@sba.gov or visit www.sba.gov/federalcontracting/contracting-assistanceprograms/8a-business-development-program.