Small business firms that have sole US ownership can obtain the coveted SBA 8a certification and gain unlimited access to the federal marketplace. However, in order to get accredited by the SBA (Small Business Administration) that conducts the 8a evaluation process, applicant firms must conform to the several eligibility norms and then apply properly along with all supporting documents to pledge their 8a certification. The process starting with understanding the process to knowing about the eligibility criteria and then applying to the SBA with all requisite proof is nothing short of a hurdle for the applicant firms. To help them with apt guidance and support, contracting firms need professionals to back them up. That is where an 8a consultant comes in.
1. Expertise in their particular field of 8a certification assistance differentiates a pro from a newbie. True! If you want to get through the SBA evaluation process, first of all you need someone who is well acquainted with the SBA guidelines and can offer you tips and advice on how to get selected without facing any trouble. 8a consultants would beat you with their experience. They have worked in the counseling and consulting modes for years helping hundreds of small business firms qualify as certified contractors. Hence, ideally you would need their able guidance.
2. Good connections with the SBA authorities will see you through. I should mention here that another prime reason for aspiring 8a candidates to solicit the help of an 8a consultant is because, the later often has strong connections with the SBA selection committee. I am not saying that a consultant will use their personal contacts within the SBA to push your firm for authorization. That’s illegal and is never tolerated, as the selection process is rigorous. Only that, since the consultants are around for a number of years, they have more experience and knowledge of the application process, which makes your case more favorable for accreditation.
3. 8a counseling is an added advantage – Questions like “why are you applying for an 8a certification?” or “what makes you think that getting 8a accredited is necessary for your firm?” are just a few of the several questions that are part of an elaborate counseling session that expert 8a consultants ask their clients (8a applicants) prior to submitting their applications. The aim is to clarify your expectations from obtaining an 8a certification and on the same note inciting a strong fervor for success among 8a applicants.
4. 8a consultant help aspiring small biz firms in filling up the application form. This is an absolute plus for the applicants. Not understanding how to fill up the lengthy 8a certification application form or filling it up incorrectly might cancel your application altogether. Thus 8a certification assistance come in handy under such situations.
Conclusion: Once you have read the above, you can be sure of one thing that hiring a professional help in the form of an 8a consultant should be the ideal thing to do while applying for the coveted SBA 8a certification.