2. 2013 Mississippi Statewide 8(a) Application Conference YOUR SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE

3. Janita R. Stewart District Director

4. Why is SBA holding this special outreach event for the 8(a) BD Program? Firms exiting the program (graduation, termination, etc.) faster than rate of approvals Historic national average number of 8(a) certified firms approximately 10,000 – 12,000 Current national average number of 8(a) certified firms approximately 6,900 Current number of 8(a) certified firms in Mississippi – 40 Deficit in numbers – desire to increase participation MDO 1 of 16 out of 68 SBA offices asked to conduct this event Potential for growth exists in Mississippi

5. Potential Pool of Eligibles for Mississippi Most recent US Dept. of Commerce and Labor Census data reflects: 240,378 small businesses in Mississippi – 99% of all businesses, of which: 41,000 African American-owned 4,000 Asian-American-owned 2,000 Hispanic-American-owned 1,000 Native-American/Alaskan-owned & Hawaiian/Pacific Islander-owned Others may include 61,000 Woman-owned U.S. citizen, 51% owned, controlled, daily managed by socially and economically disadvantaged individual – at least 2 years in business, etc.

6. Some Benefits of 8(a) Certification Connection to military and civilian federal contracting officials across the country Executive training opportunities at renowned institutions of higher learning with major private sector CEOs Numerous local and statewide training and workshop sessions Mentor-Protégé relationships; Joint-Venture relationships; Teaming Sole source and competitive contract awards (Maximum of $6.5 million for sole source (mfg) and $4.0 million all other industries, and higher amounts on competitive solicitations)* FY 2012 FPDS-NG: $25.4 billion (nationally); $93.9 million (Mississippi)* Federal buying agencies use 8(a) as a primary means to meet statutory 5% SDB goal Many opportunities to grow your business! *NOTE: SBA does not guarantee contracts.

7. Follow us at: Also, visit www.sba.gov/ms to learn more about SBA Resources and Programs or to sign-up to receive our free newsletter and SBA e-Alerts!www.sba.gov/ms Mississippi District Office - (601) 965-4378 Gulfport Branch Office – (228) 863-4449