SBA’s restrictions on ownership by immediate family members for the 8(a) Business Development Program
The SBA regulations also have specific restrictions on ownership by immediate family. What this means is, that if an immediate family member was ever in the 8a program, a new application cannot be submitted. Of course, there is always an exception to the rule. Recently we were hired by a construction company to assist them […]
Questions to ask when hiring a company for the 8(a) Certification program?
When you do finally decide that applying for the 8(a) certification is something your company can benefit from, there are some important questions to ask the company you plan on hiring. Below are a few things to consider and questions to ask. 1. What is the process your firm uses to help us become certified? […]
What is the SBA 8(a) Annual Review?
If you are new to the 8(a) program, you have probably heard that there is an annual review which the SBA requires each 8(a) certified firm to submit. The annual review is due within 30 days of the close of each program year. This may seem daunting for some, who if recently got in to […]
What is www.certify.sba.gov?
WWW.certify.sba.gov is the new online platform SBA introduced a few years ago to streamline all of SBA’s certifications. Although the old system, the General Login System (GLS) is still required for the Hubzone certification as of 2017, the WOSB and 8(a) application are to be completed via this site. The 8(a) annual review will also […]
Questions to ask when hiring a company for the 8(a) Certification program?
When you do finally decide that applying for the 8(a) certification is something your company can benefit from, there are some important questions to ask the company you plan on hiring. Below are a few things to consider and questions to ask. 1. What is the process your firm uses to help us become certified? […]
Contracting with Metro
(818)551-9400 On October 1st 2015, I wrote an article about a friend of mine, who after three years of convincing, finally saw an opportunity to contract with Metro. To explain to you the diversity of contracts available with Metro, my friend is a videographer, and this particular contract was to be for […]
Be careful who you hire to assist with your Certifications
(818)551-9400 I recently gave a presentation to an organization called, Women’s Presidents Organization. They are a nationwide group consisting of various chapter throughout each state. Each group consists of successful Women entrepreneurs who have monthly meeting and discuss various topics on how to grow their businesses. A few days ago, I received a phone […]
Metro’s DBE Certification
(818)551-9400 As Business Owners, we always try to promote and brand ourselves to everyone we can. This includes but is not limited to, other business owners, family, friends etc. We get particularly excited when a close friend calls us for assistance. Three years ago, I met with a friend of mine who is a […]
DBE Certification in Two Weeks
(818)551-9400 Most times when clients ask about about Certifications, the same questions always come up.”How long does it take to get certified?” Normally it would take roughly 3 months for Metro to approve a Business under each certification. This may seem long, but actually is a short time frame compared to other certifications, such […]
Two businesses approved for the 8(a) Certification in July 2015
(818)551-9400 As our company continues to grow, we also continue to grow as owners and employees. By this, I mean our knowledge and experience grows along with the company. We learn new procedures which allow us to process applications and get them approved more fluidly. Most recently, this month of July 2014, we were […]
Getting a DUNS number is FREE
(818)551-9400 On December 3, 2013, I wrote a blog article regarding acquiring a DUNS number for FREE. Recently, we were hired by a client to assist them in applying for WBENC’s Womens Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification. Once of the first steps is to make certain that their DUNS information is accurate. In this case […]
Why are broker Dealers Ineligible to participate in the 8(a) program?
(818)551-9400 Why are broker dealers ineligible to participate in the 8(a) program? If you are labeled as a broker, but do not feel that you are, this article will help you understand how to get approved for the 8(a) certification and other programs by taking some important precautionary steps. SBA wants success to come […]
How To Market To The Government
(818) 551-9400 Once you obtain your Federal and/or State Certifications you have to be proactive in recognizing new opportunities to be able to bid and win contracts. Becoming certified means that you will be added to a database along with other certified companies offering similar products. So what happens once you are certified? How do […]
What is SAM and should you pay someone to register you?
System For Award Management also referred to as SAM is a system the Federal Government uses to identify potential contractors. It is also the system which is required to register with do do any type of business with the Federal Government. As usual, we get calls from clients hiring us for different certifications. Part […]
Government Contracting Basics
Are you currently bidding on contracts or looking to get into the game of bidding on contracts? Perhaps, you are not interested in government contracts? Well below are a few reasons why being certified and bidding on contracts is essential. Business who don’t bid on contracts: During time of uncertainty, consumers are looking to do […]
Is price a determining factor when hiring a Consultant to assist with your Government Certifications?
As a Business owner, I understand the importance of keeping costs down to maintain the highest amount of profits within company. When I realize I need someones services, I do my research to find who the best person is to take on the task. Pricing is always an issue and I want to get the […]
2014 In Review and Looking Ahead to 2015
(818)551-9400 2014 was a great year for us. Since our services are geared toward Small Businesses, we have seen them thriving more this year than the previous 7 years. Perhaps it is due to the change in the Economy or perhaps people are understanding the benefits of obtaining their Certifications more than before. What ever the […]
Applying for 8(a) Social Disadvantage Waiver
In the article published on March 26, 2014, I wrote about the Social Disadvantage Requirements by the SBA to become an 8(a) participant. But what if you are not a member of one of the presumed socially Disadvantaged groups? Can you still apply? The simple answer is YES, but there are a few extra steps which need to be explained to the SBA.
Hiring a consultant to help you with your 8(a) application can save you time and money
We recently received a call from a client requesting details on the SBA 8(a) certification. Clients nature of business was providing Environmental Testing such as Phase 1 reports. Client was intrigued that we had assisted other Environmental Firms in receiving their 8(a) certification. After a very productive conversation, I left the client with plenty of […]
Which Goverment Certifications to apply for first
(818)551-9400 Obtaining a Government Certification for your business can a confusing process. Which certifications to apply for and which ones would benefit you most? You must first identify with whom you would like to do business with? Have you seen more bids with the Federal or State Governments? Your answer may be either one or […]
When should you get a Government Certification to grow your business
(818)551-9400 When is the right time to become Federally or State approved for a particular Business Certification? We frequently get calls from businesses asking us to certify them for a specific certification after one of their vendors asks them for it. This poses a few problems. First, depending on the certification being requested, it can […]
Should Women Apply for the SBA 8a Certification?
(818)551-9400 We receive a lot of calls weekly from Women Owned Businesses if they should apply for the SBA 8a Certification. Our answers to their questions are listed below. First you need to identify if working with the Government is something you are willing to do and be active at. Obtaining the certification will not bring in […]
Small Business Enterprise Certification Initiative
(818) 551-9400 On June 2nd, 2014, Metro officially announces their Small Business Set-Aside Program to level the playing field for Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by setting aside contracts that only SBE Certified firms can compete for as prime contractors, suppliers and consultants. Depending on the type of procurement, contracts will range from $3,000 […]
8a certification statistics
(818) 551-9400 The limited number of 8(a) Certified firms in the United States gives these firms the unique opportunity to bid on Federal Contract set asides. That means that only 8(a) certified firms are allowed to bid and win these contracts without any outside competition. This number is lowered even more as industry specific bids […]
8(a) Economically Disadvantaged Explained
(818) 551-9400 The SBA 8(a) Certification, like other Certifications have rules an guidelines which each business must qualify for prior to applying. Below is the clarification on the Economically Disadvantaged Rule. Economically Disadvantaged: A. Personal Income- The SBA requires that the Individual claiming Disadvantage must have a Personal Income less than $250,000 on average […]
Waiver of the SBA 8(a) 2 year rule
www.sbclending.com/ (818)551-9400 For those applying for the SBA 8(a) Business Development program, you have heard of the 2 year rule. In this article I will be discussing the 5 steps an individual needs to take to waive the 2 year rule. Not all businesses need to be in business for 2 years to […]
The SBA’s Narrative Statement of Social Disadvantage.
The SBA requires all applicant to complete a Narrative of Social disadvantage. In this article, I will be discussing the following. 1. What is the Narrative Statement of Social Disadvantage? 2. Why does the SBA require it? 3. How should you write it? 1. What is the Narrative Statement of Social Disadvantage? The […]
The 8(a) Social Disadvantage Eligibility Explained
One important requirement of the 8(a) Certification is that you meet not only the Economic definition of disadvantage but also the Social definition of disadvantage. What does it mean to become Socially Disadvantaged? For the purposes of the 8(a) program, the SBA deems certain minority sectors as Socially Disadvantaged. This is because, throughout the course […]
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Most people don’t understand how becoming certified as an 8(a) firm can help propel their business to the next stage of success. Becoming approved as an 8(a) firm is like being in a fraternity or sorority. Those who have had those great experiences in college know that it is a brotherhood or sisterhood. They help […]
Computing Personal Net Worth for the 8a Certification.
The 8a Certifications, like all other Certifications have guidelines and rules. The 8a Certification is by far the most difficult of Certifications to get and thus the most strict when it comes to Personal Net Worth. The SBA states that an applicants, personal Net Worth May not exceed $250,000, excluding their home, retirements accounts such […]
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Over the last few weeks we have seen an influx of calls from potential customers seeking Government Certifications. One such case was when a client called and needed to be certified with the State of California as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or DBE. I had another appointment within close vicinity so I scheduled to meet […]
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We receive a lot of calls weekly with clients asking us questions about the process we use and the experience we possess, so they may make the best calculated decision in hiring the best consultant possible. What to look for when hiring a consultant. 1. Experience 2. Location 3. Price EXPERIENCE: The certification process is […]
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www.sbclending.com/ Over the past 11 years, we have been assisting Small Businesses get Certified with either the Federal or State Government. Typical questions always comes up. 1. Why do I need to Be Certified? 2 . How will it help me? 3. How much Does it cost? 4. What We Recommend. These are all very […]
How to Obtain a FREE DUNS Number.
If any of you have tried obtaining any Federal Certification, you are already aware that the first step is to obtain a DUNS number. It is first important however to understand what a DUNS number is and what is it used for. What is a DUNS Number? Data Universal Numbering System also known as DUNS […]
WHY OBTAIN THE 8A CERTIFICATION??? In our last article, I spoke about the 2 main reasons why a Women Owned Business should become Federally certified as a WOSB. The 8a certification, although has similar reasoning, there is one particular trait about it which makes it very special. MONEY…. 23% of all Government contracts are required […]
WWW.SBCLENDING.COM Last year, I wrote about the basics of contracting and the 2 main Federal Certifications available to Small Businesses, the 8a Federal Contracting Program and the WOSB Program. In this article, I will be writing specifically about the Women Owned Small Business Contracting Program or the WOSB for short. It is important to first […]
What to Expect in 2013:
As 2012 passes us by and 2013 becomes reality, Business Owners are wondering what changes will take effect be in 2013 compared to 2012. Our answer is simple, a lot of the same old same old. Business Loans: Lenders are always introducing new programs to entice Business Owners to apply, but the lending guidelines will […]
Government Contracting Basics
Are you currently bidding on contracts or maybe you would like to get into the game of bidding on contracts? Below are several reasons for any business to have a certification. Businesses who DO bid on contracts Businesses who do bid on contracts will find that becoming certified by the State or the Federal Government […]
Loans for New and Existing Businesses
The subject of our first article was about the 5 C’s of Credit (Character, Capital, Capacity, Collateral, and Conditions). In addition to credit, lenders are looking for businesses that are financially stable, which I will discuss below. Existing Businesses Lenders prefer to do business with existing companies due to their multiple years in business. Lenders […]
Business Planning
As a business consultant, the first skill that I learned when I first began working in the industry is how to develop a business plan. I learned that if done right, the business plan will be the most effective tool in achieving business goals and it will act as a road map for your business. […]
What You Need to Know About Credit
For the past 5 years, we have been assisting clients in starting, sustaining, and/or expanding their business. During this time, the number one concern for the majority of our clients has been about credit. “My credit is bad, can you help?” and “there are a few negative items on my credit that I paid off, […]
What You Really Need to Secure a Business Loan
What is the secret for receiving an approval for a Business Loan? There are 5 critical characteristics a lender takes into consideration for businesses seeking a loan, commonly known as the 5 C’s. Although many know what they are, below is an explanation of each specifically from the perspective of the lender. Character: The most […]