The 2019 SBA Scorecard finally came out recently, and the results were very good for both small businesses, as well as firms holding SBA Certifications.  

Small Businesses overall had a banner year in 2019 with a record setting $132.9B in total federal sales. This number surpassed the previous high of $120.8B in federal sales from the year before.  

The Small Disadvantaged Business Program, or the 8(a) BD Program, also had record sales of $51.6B beating the prior year’s total of $46.5B. The Small Disadvantaged Business Program (or 8(a)), now represents over 10% of federal discretionary spending.   

As you can see from the SBA data below, the Small Disadvantaged Business Category has grown dramatically over the past five years. With less than 6,000 active 8(a) certified firms, now may be a great time to think about applying for this program.

Category – Goal            2015                2016                2017                2018                2019

Small Business – 23%

                        $90.7B (25.7%) - $99.7B (24.4%) - $105.7B (23.8%) - $120.8 (25.05%) - $132.9B (26.5%)

Small Disadvantaged Business – 5%

                        $35.4B (10.1%) - $39.1B (9.4%) - $40.2B (9.1%) - $46.5B (9.65%) - $51.6B (10.29%)

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business – 3%

                        $13.8B (3.9%) - $16.3B (4%) - $17.9B (4.1%) - $20.6B (4.27%) - $22B (4.39%)

Woman Owned Small Business – 5%

                        $17.8B (5.1%) - $19.7B (4.8%) - $20.8B (4.7%) - $22.9B (4.75%) - $26B (5.19%)

HUBZone – 3%

                        $6.4B (1.8%) - $6.9B (1.7%) - $7.3B (1.7%) - $9.9B (2.05%) - $11.4B (2.28%)

If you have any questions about getting qualified for an 8(a) Certification, or would like a more in-depth analysis, I always recommend contacting an industry expert such as ez8a. They can be reached at (859)442-3300, and do not charge for an initial consultation.