---
title: What groups qualify under 8a certification?
description: Companies that are owned & controlled by 51% of a socially & economically disadvantaged individual in the following groups can qualify:
---

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# What groups qualify under 8a certification?

## Companies that are owned & controlled by 51% of a socially & economically disadvantaged individual in the following groups can qualify:

![Business-Earning-Potential-Government-Contracting-SelectGCR](https://knowledge.base.selectgcr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Business-Earning-Potential-Government-Contracting-SelectGCR.jpg?width=457&height=257&name=Business-Earning-Potential-Government-Contracting-SelectGCR.jpg)

- Black American
- Hispanic American
- Native American
- Asian Pacific American
- Subcontinent Asian American

This program is a key element to helping socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain a foothold in [Government contracting](https://selectgcr.com/government-contracts/). Participation in the program is divided into two phases over nine years. A four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage.

For more information about 8a certification, [Click Here](https://selectgcr.com/our-services/government-contracting-programs/8a-minority-owned-business-registration/). 

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