Final rule · 2026-16370

Reforms to 13 CFR 124.103 To Remove SBA's 8(a) Program's Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage for Individually Owned Firms Only. Reforms Do Not Impact Entity-Owned Firms

The U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA" or "Agency") amends its regulations to align the Section 8(a) Business Development Program (8(a) BD program) with constitutional requirements and the law. The rule applies only to the 8(a) BD eligibility of small businesses owned and controlled by individuals. It does not in any way amend or affect the eligibility of entity-owned small businesses (i.e., those owned by tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian Organizations, or Community Development Corporations). Specifically, the rule amends SBA's regulations to remove the rebuttable presumption that individuals belonging to certain designated groups are socially disadvantaged and sets forth revised standards for individuals establishing social disadvantage.