Federal Certifications


There’s a percentage of business set aside for different kinds of companies including small, woman-owned, veteran-owned, and other disadvantaged groups.

The Federal Government sets aside certain percentages of their yearly contract dollars for different kinds of businesses including certified small, woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, and other kinds of disadvantaged businesses.

Becoming certified with the Federal Government can help make your business competitive in the government marketplace. But each certification takes time and effort and has different eligibility criteria and potential benefits. We’ve assembled the information you need to navigate these processes – see below for a comprehensive list..

Learn about State of California SB, DVBE, & PW-SB certifications.


8(a) Business Development Program

The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Participation in the program is divided into two phases over nine years: a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage.


HUBZone Program

The HUBZone certification is designed to encourage business development in Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) areas. Small businesses in specific urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. Find out if your business is within a HUBZone by entering your address into the HUBZone map.


Woman-Owned Small Business Certifications

The Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification was designed to level the playing field for women business owners, specifically creating contracts set-aside for those industries that are underrepresented by women. Some contracts are restricted further to Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB). 


Veteran-Owned Small Business Certifications

Provide procuring agencies with the authority to set acquisitions aside for exclusive competition among veteran-owned small business concerns, as well as the authority to make sole source awards to veteran-owned small business concerns if certain conditions are met. You may also qualify to compete for set-aside contracts under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned certification.


Small Business & Small Disadvantaged Business

Small businesses can self-represent their status as a small disadvantaged business (SDB) with the federal government by checking the box in their SAM registration on the Assertations page. SAM will automatically assign federal Small Business (SB) status to businesses who qualify based on their SBA size standards.


Mentor-Protégé Program

Mentor-Protégé initiatives aim to empower small businesses (protégés) by fostering partnerships with experienced companies (mentors), enabling them to grow their business and win government contracts. It is crucial to understand the risks, benefits, roles, and responsibilities of all paties involved.

If you have more questions, please contact us at info@apexnorcal.org or (707) 267 – 7561