The mission of the 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program is to provide participating businesses with managerial, technical, and procurement assistance to assist them in achieving their full competitive potential.

The 8(a) BD Program provides a logical, systematic approach to federal market access and enterprise growth to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program promotes business development over a nine-year period. The participant’s progress is monitored and measured, and developmental needs are determined by reviewing business plans annually. The program assists firms by facilitating the award of sole-source and limited-competition contracts and by providing business development assistance. The intent of the above assistance is to enable firms to compete successfully in the open market.

AKEA, Inc’s Business Development Specialist (BDS) is

Ms. Annette M. Paulson
Business Development Specialist
North Florida District Office
Small Business Administration
(904) 443-1914 voice
(202) 481-0290 fax