"" Charles Gastón & Associates, Inc. We make sense out of the 8(a) Program. "" SBA 8(a) Program certification for minority-owned and woman-owned businesses Gaston Stripes
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8(a) Business Development Program Process

The 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged business owners gain equal access to the resources necessary to develop their business and thereby improve their ability to compete on an equal basis in the mainstream of the American economy.

Before we undertake any engagement, we will ask you several questions to pre-determine your eligibility. If you answer yes to all the following questions, you may be eligible for 8(a) certification:

Gaston 8a

Are you a citizen of the United States?

Gaston 8a Have you been discriminated against in the United States?
Gaston 8a

Is your personal net worth (excluding the equity in your residence and your investment in your business) less than $250,000?

Gaston 8a

Is your company a for-profit business?

Gaston 8a

Do you own unconditionally at least 51% of your company?

Gaston 8a Does the federal government purchase the goods and/or services provided by your company?

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While the Code of Federal Regulations designates certain groups to be socially disadvantaged (Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asians), some individuals not of these named groups may be able to establish their socially disadvantaged status from the preponderance of the evidence.

Each situation is different. Please call us at (801) 566-9955 or email us at info@charlesgaston.com for more information and fees.

Basic Application
We obtain all the necessary information from you about your company and process it so that it will get a better-than-fair review by the SBA.

Waiver of the Two Year Rule
If your company does not meet the SBA's two-year-in-business rule, we can help you obtain a waiver to the rule.
 
Preparation of Social Disadvantage Narrative(s)
If you are not a member of one of the named socially disadvantaged groups but are applying for the 8(a) Program, we will help you show the "preponderance of the evidence" for the social disadvantage narrative section of the application.
 
We can also assist you in preparing additional statements to support the individual's social disadvantage.

Review
If you complete the application yourself and would like us to review it prior to submission to the SBA, we will review it and provide you with a detailed analysis.

8(a) Business Plan
We will assist you in developing the business plan required by the SBA after your company is certified to participate in the 8(a) Program.

Marketing
We will assist you in marketing to federal agencies and departments by ensuring that you are meeting and are directed to the appropriate officials responsible for contract acquisitions.

Mentor/Protégé Agreements
We will assist you in preparing Mentor/Protégé Agreements as required by the SBA.
 

Other Services

HUBZone
We will assist you in applying for and obtaining your HUBZone certification. This program is open to any small business located in any highly underutilized business zone.

Representation before the SBA
We can represent your concerns or issues before the SBA.
 
Assistance in Obtaining Security Clearance
We will assist you in obtaining your federal security clearances when required.
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Phone: (801) 566-9955
Fax: (801) 566-9959
Email:
info@charlesgaston.com

COPYRIGHT 2008