The Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program is a formal business development program designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small business, such as tribally-owned small businesses that are at least 51% owned by an Indian tribe, to enter the federal marketplace through training and development in contracting, financial, technical, marketing, and management skills.

Tribal small businesses can use the 8(a) program as a tool to successfully market and compete for federal contracts. Tribes are unique because they may own multiple entities participating in the 8(a) program.

In addition, Indian tribes are exempt from competitive threshold limitations per 13  CFR 124.506(b) and are eligible to receive sole-source contracts of unlimited value.

Contracting or partnering with a tribally-owned 8(a) company leads to enhanced economic growth and career opportunities that benefit the entire tribe. Proceeds are returned to the tribe to support education, fire/rescue/police, infrastructure, elder housing and care, and healthcare funding for their members.