Get certified for set-aside contracts

The government reserves whole categories of contracts for specific kinds of small businesses — and getting officially certified moves you into that shorter, less crowded line. If you're a woman-, veteran-, or minority-owned business, or you're in an underserved area, a free certification can open doors that are closed to everyone else. It's one of the biggest advantages a small business has.

Do this

1. Know the small-business set-aside first: many contracts are reserved for small businesses, period — no special status needed.
2. Check the socioeconomic certifications you may qualify for: women-owned (WOSB), veteran-owned (VOSB/SDVOSB), 8(a) for disadvantaged, and HUBZone.
3. Apply through the official SBA channels — certifications are free; only your time is required.
4. Get free help gathering the documents: an APEX Accelerator or SBDC advisor does this all day, at no cost.

Certifications that reserve contracts for you

Some contracts are set aside so ONLY certified businesses can bid. Getting certified = a shorter, less crowded line. All free to apply for:

SMALL BUSINESS Many contracts are small-business-only — no special status needed beyond qualifying as small. WOSB / EDWOSB Women-Owned Small Business VOSB / SDVOSB Veteran-Owned / Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned 8(a) For socially & economically disadvantaged owners (a 9-year business-development program) HUBZone Businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones

Apply through the SBA (certifications are free — beware paid "help"). An APEX Accelerator or SBDC will help you gather documents at no cost. More on specialty certifications is coming in the audience tracks.