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Effective Date: 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

AGENCY:

U.S. Small Business Administration.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

SBA has removed race‑based presumptions from the 8(a) program and replaced them with a uniform, evidence‑based test for establishing social disadvantage. The affects only individually owned firms, and is not expected to materially impact SBA lending or federal contracting volumes. For banks, the rule may modestly expand the group of small businesses eligible for 8(a) contracting opportunities, but it does not alter SBA loan requirements or credit processes

DATES:

This rule is effective on September 10, 2026. It applies to all pending applications of individually-owned applicants as of that date.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16370/reforms-to-13-cfr-124103-to-remove-sbas-8a-programs-rebuttable-presumption-of-social-disadvantage

  • September 10, 2026
  • Time: All Day