New 8(a) Application and Award Announcements Highlight MED Week
New online application for SBA’s 8(a) program will make it easier and less costly for companies to get certification.

The U.S. Small Business Administration introduced a new 8(a) electronic application that will allow small businesses to apply for 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business certification directly from the SBA’s Web site. The new online application was announced during the 22nd National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week held in Washington, DC, from September 7-10.

In addition, the SBA recognized two women-owned, minority-owned businesses and a Department of Defense official for their superior business achievements and outstanding commitment to federal procurement.

Online 8(a) Application
Announced during a luncheon at Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in September by SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto, the new automated 8(a) application is expected to substantially reduce the time and cost burdens imposed on small businesses applying for certification.
“The newly launched 8(a) on-line application will allow small businesses to apply for 8(a) and SDB certification directly from the SBA’s Web site, and ensure more small businesses are able to successfully compete for federal contracting opportunities,” Barreto said.

The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program helps small businesses that are owned, controlled and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It does so by providing management, technical, financial and federal contracting assistance with the aim of helping these entrepreneurs create viable businesses. About 8,300 companies are currently certified in the 8(a) program. During fiscal year 2003, $9.56 billion in federal contracts were awarded to companies participating in the program.

The new automated application was developed by an 8(a) firm, Simplicity, Inc., in conjunction with the SBA’s Office of Government Contracting and Business Development. It employs decision logic to screen applications, allowing the SBA to review and process applications more efficiently and provide improved customer service. A demonstration of the application was given during the MEDWeek conference.

The application is 100 percent Web-based, allowing applicants to apply without downloading any software or plug-ins, replacing a four-page written application that required substantial supporting documentation. The online application incorporates features such as context sensitive help, real-time validation, printer-ready versions and integrates with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR).
For more information, visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov.

Businesses Honored
Local entrepreneur Belinda A. Davis of DGR Associates was the winner of the National 8(a) Minority Small Business of the Year award. Davis is the president of DGR Associates, Inc. in Belton, Mo.

DGR is a woman-owned, minority business with expertise in the maintenance of more than 11,000 military family housing units, roof repair, plumbing, painting and snow removal.

Other awards went to Clarisa F. Howard, president and CEO of bd Systems, in Torrance, Calif., and Tracey Pinson, the director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for the Office of the Secretary of the Army for their entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to the nation’s economy and growth of minority businesses.

“Minority businesses account for 15 percent of America’s small businesses and employ more than 4.5 million people to help fuel the nation’s economy,” Barreto said in presenting the awards.

The Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conferences are the largest federally sponsored activities to be held on behalf of minority business enterprises (MBEs). Since 1983, the U.S. President has proclaimed a National MED Week observance to recognize the outstanding achievements of MBEs and to honor corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development. The conference also provides a forum for addressing the major issues affecting the growth and development of minority business enterprises.