Certifications

SBA 8(a) Certified

To help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program.

Disadvantaged businesses in the 8(a) program can:

  • Compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts in the program
  • Get a Business Opportunity Specialist to help navigate federal contracting
  • Form joint ventures with established businesses through the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
  • Receive management and technical assistance, including business training, counseling, marketing assistance, and high-level executive development
  • You can compete for contract awards under multiple socio-economic programs, as they apply.

    • The federal government’s goal is to award at least 5 percent of all federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses each year.

    SBA Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)

    The federal government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year.

    The program’s benefits for Women Owned Small Business companies include:

    • Helping to provide a level playing field for women business owners as the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program. Which are for specific industries where women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) are underrepresented.
    • Makes a business eligible to compete for federal contracts set aside for the program.

    Program eligibility requirements. LIVE is a small business by SBA standards

    • We are 100% owned and controlled by a woman who is a U.S. citizen, and
    • All of LIVE’s day-to-day operations and long-term decisions are managed by a woman.