A certified small business is a for-profit, independently owned and operated business that meets specific size and eligibility criteria set by the government. To become certified, businesses must apply through a government agency, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the United States. Certification can provide businesses with a number of benefits, including access to government contracts, loans, and other financial assistance.
There are many reasons why a business might want to become certified. For example, certification can help businesses: