SBA Proposes Changes to 8(a) Program's Social Disadvantage Criteria

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plans to publish a proposed rule today that would eliminate the automatic presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned firms in its 8(a) Business Development program. This policy shift would require individuals to provide individualized proof of social disadvantage, rather than relying on a general presumption. The change aims to reform the program's eligibility requirements.