Companies seeking small business status certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) must plan ahead. During a planned system upgrade, the SBA will pause all new applications for certification beginning on Aug. 1, 2024, through early September 2024. The SBA cannot provide a more specific date for unpausing the certification process.

Small businesses seeking certification in any of the following status programs are advised to complete their applications before Aug. 1, 2024:

• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB).
• Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).
• 8(a) Business Development Program.
• Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB).
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).
• Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone).

Small businesses are encouraged not to wait if they have a proposal due. The SBA understands that some companies may need time-sensitive support to respond to open solicitations and opportunities. In those instances, small businesses should send the proposal number, agency name, and bid due date to the certifications@SBA.gov email, which will address those case-by-case.

For small businesses that have already been approved for these programs, the SBA program will send guidance directly to participants due for renewal during the August-September timeframe.

More information will be forthcoming on the SBA website here.