Aspira-USA Achieves SBA 8 (a) Certification,Demonstrating Commitment to Growth and Excellence

Washington DC--Aspira-USA, a Washington DC-based minority-owned firm, has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards growth and success. After a meticulous and diligent multi-year process, Aspira-USA is thrilled to announce that it has officially received its SBA 8(a) certification from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The SBA 8(a) certification is a powerful recognition of Aspira-USA's commitment to excellence, diversity, and social advancement. This coveted certification will provide Aspira-USA with increased access to federal contracts, resources, and opportunities that will strengthen the company's position in the marketplace.

The SBA 8(a) certification program underwent changes in 2023, with new requirements aimed at promoting fairness and inclusivity. One of the significant modifications includes the introduction of a narrative section in the application process, where applicants are now required to provide detailed explanations of how they qualify as socially-disadvantaged.

This narrative component provides a platform for minority owners to tell their unique stories and shed light on the challenges they have faced due to social disadvantages. Aspira-USA's narrative highlighted the hurdles faced by many minority-owned businesses, particularly in accessing capital and opportunities for growth, which has motivated the company to work harder to achieve its goals and make a positive impact in the community.

"We are incredibly proud to have achieved this milestone for our business,” said Aspira-USA Co-founder and CEO Michel Daley.  “The pandemic caused delays and the SBA faced challenges that put the SBA 8 (a) program—and our application—in jeopardy.” We are grateful the Biden Administration remained committed and was able to pivot quickly with a revised method to process applications.” 

Aspira-USA’s other Co-founder Tony Cord added “This achievement symbolizes our firm belief that qualified groups of small businesses, including minority-owned and socially-disadvantaged firms, should have access to and be awarded federal government contracts.   With this certification, we aim to further expand our reach, hire staff, build strategic partnerships and better contribute to the economic engine of our community."

 With the SBA 8(a) certification, Aspira-USA is poised to take advantage of new avenues for growth and development. The certification opens doors to sole-source contracts, mentorship programs, and specialized business training that will enhance Aspira-USA's capabilities and competitiveness in the government contracting sector.

Aspira-USA will now be strongly positioned to forge partnerships with federal agencies, prime contractors, and like-minded organizations, fostering innovation, collaboration and economic prosperity. The firm's dedication to excellence, combined with its commitment to diversity and social advancement, makes it an ideal choice for collaboration in a variety of impactful initiatives.

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