The SBA 8a Certification Program has been essential for helping socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to the economic mainstream of American society. SBA 8a Certification is actually a business assistance program divided into two phases over nine years for is accredited by SBA (Small Business Administration) which assists in the development of small businesses owned and operated by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, such as women, minorities and service disabled veterans and have faced cultural bias or prejudice for the same.  The eligibility for SBA 8(a) certification is that the business  must be owned and controlled at least 51% by “socially and economically disadvantaged” citizens, once certified, a business can remain for a maximum of nine years, as long as certain criteria are met once accepted  certified entity under 8 (a) of the Small Business Administration Program. Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans,