How does the 8A program work?

The 8(a) program is a nine-year U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete in the federal marketplace by providing training, technical, management, and financial assistance. To be eligible, a business must be small, at least 51% U.S. citizen-owned by disadvantaged individuals, and have a net worth under (with some exclusions) and average annual adjusted gross income below over three years. Benefits include access to sole-source and set-aside government contracts, as well as a 10% pricing preference over non-8(a) competitors.