Am I Ready To Apply For 8a Certification?

Posted by admin on December 16, 2009 under The 8a Mentor Blog | Comments are off for this article

We are getting a lot of calls from people interested in applying for SBA 8a certification. They want to know… Am I Ready To Apply For SBA 8a?

Here are answers to three of our most frequently asked questions:

Question 1. I am just researching and wonder if my company eligible?
Answer: Don’t waste your time, get the facts first. The SBA 8a site offers a good overview online video to watch before you invest much time into the process. Want to talk to someone, give us a call at 888-802-9620  We are happy to answer questions from people who are just researching their options.

Question 2. We have three minority owners. Does each partner  have to prepare a  disadvantage narrative?
Answer: Yes, any minority owners (including designated, non designated group, women or service disabled veterans) who are claiming disadvantage must prepare a narrative.  We offer discounts to companies that have multiple minority owners. Contact us for special pricing.

Question 3. With the bad economy, I am working as an employee at a corporation until I can get some contracts going in my business. Is this an issue?
Answer: Yes, one of the criteria that must be met is that you are working full-time in your business before you can apply for 8a status. If achieving 8a status is important, you may want to contact the company HR department and explore employment options that hire your business as a vendor and you as a consultant. Of course , be sure to check how this new employment status could change any benefits you are receiving.

Whether you are just researching, want help writing your social disadvantage narrative or your application has been rejected by the SBA 8a review team – We can help. Contact The 8a mentor via email at: info@the8amentor.com  or call us toll free: 888-802-9620

Why attend a 8a Teleseminar?

Posted by admin on December 7, 2009 under The 8a Mentor Blog | Comments are off for this article

Are you seeking to get SBA 8a certification? Right now, business owners are looking for new ways to kick start their profits in this shaky economy. The SBA 8(a) program is a great program for small business owners since Federal projects are a large part of the stimulus program. Being certified opens your company up to many new revenue opportunities as a prime or subcontractor.

Attending a phone-based teleseminar is a convenient way to get information and encouragement in business your building without the expense of travel or paying conference fees.

The 8a Mentor is pleased to sponsor informative teleseminars on SBA 8a topics to help educate three target audiences. Which one are you?
1. Inquisitive Minds Want To Know - A business owner seeking information about the SBA 8a application process
2. I Need Help Writing My Narrative - Business owner who need help preparing their 8a social / economic disadvantage narrative
3. I’ve Failed the First Time and Now I Need Help - A business owner who have attempted to apply for SBA 8a certification and failed – who need help asap.

The 8a Mentor is pleased to provide narrative training teleseminars to empower you to be informed, educated and confident in your decision to become SBA 8a certified.

The 8a Mentor is Karen Miller, owner of Design2Train – a SBA 8a certified company since 2005. The 8a Mentor provides information and affordable 8a application preparation services. Learn more at: www.The8aMentor.com

Questions? Call Toll Free: 888-802-9620

FREE 8a Narrative Training – 12/30 11am (CST)

Posted by admin on December 6, 2009 under The 8a Mentor Blog | Comments are off for this article

FREE 8a Narrative Training – Wednesday, 12/30 11am (CST)

What Is Your Single Most Important Question
About The SBA 8a Social / Economic Disadvantage Narrative?

Get your specific questions answered and become confident about the SBA 8a application process and preparing your social / economic disadvantage narrative.

Register (below) to attend the valuable FREE 8a Training sponsored by Karen Miller, The 8a Mentor. In this informative one hour teleseminar, Karen will share secrets on how to  save $$$ on preparing your SBA 8a application and answer these questions:

* How important is the social disadvantage narrative in the process?
* Who needs to prepare a narrative?
* What three topical areas should each narrative address?
* What if my company has more than one minority owner?
* How long are the narratives that you prepare?
* I am a good writer, why do I need help preparing the narrative?

And… Karen will address your specific questions during the Q&A session. This tele-seminar is offered as a free service open to all business owners by The 8a Mentor.

Note: Special bonus gifts will be offered to attendees.

When To Change My Business Name

Posted by admin on under The 8a Mentor Blog | Comments are off for this article

When To Change My Business Name?
Are you thinking of changing your business name? Get it done now, before you start to fill out the SBA 8(a) application. I made the mistake of changing my business legal name Instructional Design Consortium to Design2Train after applying for SBA 8(a) program.

My listing in the CCR is under the old name and all official documents are in the old name.   What a pain, learn from my mistake, change yours now beforeyou get certified.

Where Do I Register My New Business Name?
Each state is different, but you may want to start at the local county tax office and purchase a DBA (Doing Business As) license. This is usually a nominal fee for a multi-year license.

What About My Business Legal Structure?

How is your business organized? If you are a sole proprietor we recommend getting registered as a corporation. This designation makes your company look like a serious business to others and more importantly protects your personal assets.

Now is the time to get your business organization formed prior to applying for SBA 8a status. You don’t want to have to go back and re-do paperwork later. Take it from me, it is a big hassle you want to avoid.

Don’t procrastinate, make changes now!

In choosing my company structure, I met with an attorney and was advised to choose the Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) option to separate my business assets from my personal assets. At tax time I am able to complete Schedule C for Business Expenses instead of hassling with an additional set of corporate tax forms. But don’t make your decision based on my situation, you need the advise of a legal expert.

Would These Changes Affect My Business Banking?

YES! If you make a business name change (like a doing business as known as a dba) or incorprate, this will impact your current business banking account. As soon as you make the company change, contact your bank. You will have to submit a whole new set of paperwork.

You might be able to update your existing checking account or you may have to open a new account. Don’t get caught in a last minute problem like I did, attempting to deposit a check made to your new DBA into your old checking account. Nothing worse than to have the check and no place to cash it!

Congrats to TJ Brothers Construction

Posted by admin on under The 8a Mentor Blog | Comments are off for this article

Our client , TJ Brothers Construction in Philadelphia,
PA has received notification of their acceptance
into the SBA 8a program within three weeks of their application.