Glossary

A business that has completed a vigorous nine-year program created by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

A for-profit corporation organized under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, owned by Alaska Natives, and eligible for certain SBA programs and government contracts. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing low-income communities through economic development, housing, and other programs, often eligible for SBA programs that support community growth. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A certification granted by the Small Business Association (SBA) to Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) that meet the criteria of an economically disadvantaged individual.

A designation given to businesses in areas that have historically been economically disadvantaged, providing them with access to certain contracting opportunities and resources.

A business partnership where at least one company is HUBZone certified, allowing them to compete for government contracts in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones). This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals who are part of a recognized minority group, qualifying for certain SBA programs and government contracts. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by Native Americans, eligible for specific SBA programs and benefits for Native-owned businesses. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A nonprofit organization recognized as serving the interests of Native Hawaiians, with eligibility for certain SBA and government contracting programs. This is a federal self-certification.

A business that meets the size standards defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA), often receiving support and preferences in contracting. This is not a certification, but an indication that they are a small business according to their NAICS codes.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, often eligible for preferential treatment in government contracts. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities, eligible for certain SBA and federal contracting benefits. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by service-disabled veterans, providing them with access to federal contracting opportunities.

A business that is owned by a Native American tribe and is eligible for SBA programs and contracts designed to promote tribal economic development. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans, eligible for SBA programs and government contracts specifically designed for veteran-owned companies. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by veterans, providing them with access to federal contracting opportunities.

A small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women, providing them with access to federal contracting opportunities.

A business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by women, qualifying for SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification and related federal contracting programs. This is a self-certification through the SBA.

A joint venture where at least one partner is a certified Women-Owned Small Business, allowing the partnership to compete for contracts set aside for women-owned businesses. This is a self-certification through the SBA.