Preparing your Resume for the 8(a) Application
Every individual claiming disadvantage status, as well as each officer, director, partner, member, key employee or holder of 10% or more ownership interest in the firm applying for the 8(a) Program must submit a detailed personal resume.
Below is a list of important tips to make sure these individual’s resume contain all information required by the SBA.
Make sure that all employment information on the resume matches any W-2 Forms submitted with your 8(a) Application.
Explain any gaps in employment. If previously unemployed, state that for the gap of employment on the resume. All gaps of employment, regardless, must be explained. If you didn’t work while you were raising your toddler explain that on your resume. If you have a gap in your resume because you didn’t work for 6 months because you were in an auto accident explain that in your resume.
Ensure the resume clearly outlines the respective title of the individual and corresponds with all other pertinent information contained with the 8(a) Application. (Examples all 8(a) electronic application forms, organizational chart, contracts, taxes, etc.)
Fully explain all current and past employment management duties and responsibilities. Include technical duties and managerial responsibilities. (Do not underestimate the importance of this part of your application. Not only must you have the skill set to manage the company but you must also prove that you are knowledgeable and have the skill set necessary for your product. If someone quits can you do their job if necessary?)
Provide a listing of all formal and informal education, courses and professional licenses or certifications. Including any major study areas in which may be applicable to your primary industry for which you are seeking 8(a) Certification.
Note any past ownership in any other business. This includes ownership in a business for holding real estate.
Ensure that the resume for the individual claiming disadvantage status is the highest ranking officer and note that they run the day to day operations of the business.
Ensure that the resume for anyone other than the individual claiming disadvantage status does not indicate that they can cause negative control with the applicant firm. (In other words make sure nobody else’s resume claims they run the day to day functions of the business.)
If the 8(a) applicant received a W-2 from any source, other than the applicant firm, in the most recent tax year, provide a letter from each previous employer indicating their final date of employment to prove full time devotion to the 8(a) concern.
When you list current licenses make sure they are current. Are the license current and in the name of the business concern with the Applicant for 8(a) Certification as the holder/qualifier?
If the license holder/qualifier is not the Applicant, is the license holder/qualifier an equity owner within the business concern? If so, the SBA will determine that this individual has the ability to impact the control of the business concern, therefore the business concerns 8(a)Application will most likely be denied.
If the license holder/qualifier is the Applicant, and the license holder/qualifier has NO equity with the business concern, the Applicant and business concern must be able to prove that they have ultimate managerial and supervisory control of this individual.
Check the resumes one last time before submitting to make sure items 1-10 above have been completed. Wait a day in between preparing the resume and reviewing it, this will help you catch any errors and also you will have time to think about anything else that should have been included.
