SBA 8(a) Business Development Program – Native American Individual Owners (Maryland)
Federal program providing nine years of contracting assistance, training, and technical support for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses; Native American individuals qualify based on heritage even without a Maryland tribal enrollment, since Maryland has no federally recognized tribes; the SBA's Washington Metropolitan Area District Office (WAMO) serves Maryland applicants; particularly valuable given Maryland's large federal procurement ecosystem.
About this program
Visit the program website for full details.
Eligibility
Small businesses at least 51% owned by a Native American individual who can demonstrate social disadvantage; because Maryland has no federally recognized tribes, applicants demonstrate disadvantage through personal narrative rather than tribal enrollment; must also demonstrate economic disadvantage and qualify as a small business under SBA size standards.
Requirements
- At least 51% owned and controlled by a Native American individual
- Demonstrate social disadvantage through personal narrative (no federally recognized tribes in Maryland)
- Demonstrate economic disadvantage