The business concern that is applying for 8a Program Certification must be at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more economically and socially disadvantaged individuals who are US citizens.

Unconditional ownership is defined as ownership that is not subject to conditions precedent, conditions subsequent, executory agreements, voting agreements, restrictions on or assignments of voting rights or other arrangements causing or potentially causing ownership to go to another (other than after death or incapacity).

As stated above, ownership must be direct and cannot be owned by another business entity or by a trust that is in turn owned and controlled by one or more economically and socially disadvantaged individuals.  However, in the case of ownership by a trust, such as a living trust, ownership will be treated as direct where the trust is revocable, and the disadvantaged individual is the grantor, a trustee, and the sole current beneficiary of the trust.

In the case of a Partnership, at least 51% of every class of partnership interest must be unconditionally owned by one or more of disadvantaged individuals.

In the case of a Limited Liability Company, at least 51% of each class of member interest must be unconditionally owned by one or more of disadvantaged individuals.

In the case of a Corporation, at least 51% of every class of voting stock outstanding and 51% of the aggregate of all stock outstanding must be unconditionally owned by one or more of disadvantaged individuals.

The SBA will disregard any unexercised stock options or similar agreements held by the disadvantaged individuals. However, any unexercised stock options or similar agreements held by anyone other than a disadvantaged individual will be treated as exercised.

The pledge or encumbrance of stock or other ownership interest as collateral, including seller financed transactions, does not affect the unconditional nature of ownership if the terms follow normal commercial practices and the disadvantaged persons retain control absent violations of the terms.

These are just a few of the requirements that must be met to ensure unconditional ownership. Please contact Cloveer.com to discuss your unique business circumstances to ensure you meet all unconditional ownership requirements.