Small Business Certification & Set-Aside Consulting
Help businesses obtain and maintain SBA certifications and set-asides
Overview
Certification consultants charge $5,000-$35,000 per certification or $3,000-$15,000 monthly retainers.
Helping 25-60 businesses annually generates $120,000-$600,000 with 75-90% margins.
In 2025, small business set-asides provide contracting advantages.
Revenue from 8(a) certification ($15,000-$35,000), WOSB/EDWOSB certification ($8,000-$20,000), SDVOSB certification ($8,000-$22,000), HUBZone certification ($10,000-$28,000), annual compliance and reporting ($3,000-$12,000 monthly), and recertification support.
Services include certification eligibility analysis, application preparation and submission, documentation gathering and compliance, SBA interview and site visit preparation, annual certification reporting and compliance, and recertification and appeals support.
Successful consultants understand SBA certification requirements and processes, navigate complex eligibility criteria, prepare complete applications, support businesses through SBA review, and maintain annual compliance.
Small businesses seeking government contract advantages as clients.
Marketing through procurement consultants, PTAC partnerships, SBA connections, certification success rates, and small business networks.
Required Skills
- SBA Certification Programs
- 8(a) Business Development
- Set-Aside Requirements
- Documentation & Compliance
- SBA Processes
- Application Preparation
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High fees per certification
- Growing demand for set-aside certifications
- Annual compliance creates recurring revenue
- Multiple certification types to offer
- Help businesses access government opportunities
Cons
- SBA certification processes lengthy (6-9 months)
- Not all applications approved
- Complex eligibility requirements
- Annual reporting compliance required
- Competitive certification consulting market
How to Get Started
- Learn SBA certification programs and requirements
- Understand eligibility criteria and documentation
- Develop certification application expertise
- Market to small businesses seeking certifications
- Assess certification eligibility
- Prepare and submit certification applications
- Support annual compliance and reporting
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