Small Business Set-Asides
Federal contracting categories that restrict competition to qualifying small businesses.
Why It Matters
The major designations: 8(a) (disadvantaged businesses in the SBA mentorship program), HUBZone (businesses in historically underutilized areas), SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned), and WOSB (women-owned). Each has different eligibility rules, and agencies have annual targets for small business spending. Set-asides can be a powerful market entry strategy.
Related Terms