The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting a procurement series webinar for small businesses. It will provide instruction for this two-week course on obtaining certification as an SBA 8(a), SBA Women-Owned Small Business, and SBA HUBZone.

Key Takeaways:

• The US Small Business Administration offers a multi-session course on government contracting. Get yourself registered by 8/24/22 at 8:00 AM (PDT) for free. 
• Date: 8/24/22 – 8/31/22.
• Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (PDT)
• Status: Open; 447 spots are still available

We Covered this in our Weekly Wire Roundup

Procurement Series Webinar for Small Businesses

Two webinars hosted by SBA are as under: 

Wednesday, August 24 | Application for SBA 8(a):

The government restricts competition for some contracts to companies that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program to assist level the playing field for small enterprises owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities.

Wednesday, August 31 | SBA Hubzone and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program:

The federal government wants to provide women-owned small companies at least 5% of all federal contracting funds yearly! Changes to the WOSB’s regulations will make it simpler for qualified small businesses to participate in the program’s federal contracts. With a target of allocating at least 3% of federal contract funds to HUBZone-certified companies each year, the HUBZone program promotes small business development in previously underused business areas.

Changes to The WOSB’s Regulations

In May 2020, the revised rules for the WOSB Federal Contracting Program were released in the Federal Register. Changes to the certification procedure are described in these regulations.

With the new rules for the WOSB Federal Contracting program in place:

• The SBA has launched beta.certify.sba.gov, a new, free online certification system for WOSBs and EDWOSBs.
• Businesses that use authorized Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) to achieve WOSB or EDWOSB certification are still permitted to participate by the SBA.
• The previous self-certification option on the last certify.sba.gov portal will no longer be accessible as of October 15, 2020.
• If you held WOSB Federal Contracting Program contracts when the amendments took effect, you would maintain your certification for the length of those contracts (whether you were previously self-certified or TPC-certified).
• All WOSB businesses must take action on beta.certify.sba.gov to participate in the competition for WOSB Federal Contracting Program set-aside contracts,

Aims of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the only federal government agency dedicated to protecting and helping America’s small businesses. It’s a critical funding source for entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their businesses. Every year, it helps millions of people find the right loan, network with other entrepreneurs, receive training on starting a business, and more.

The SBA offers loans to help small businesses hire employees and grow. It also provides grants to help expand businesses, fund new technology, and help entrepreneurs become self-employed by buying their own companies.

Get Yourself Registered! 

For more details about the webinars and registration, head to this link. https://santaanadistrictsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/8303

Wrap Up:

These webinars by SBA are aimed at educating business owners about government contracting. It is an excellent opportunity for all business owners, including women, to learn about the application and eligibility options for government contracting. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!