Watch the replay and review the agenda + speaker insights from our last webinar.

Held December 10, 2025

8(a) Program Under Attack

A practical webinar on policy shifts, compliance risk, scale pathways, and investor readiness for 8(a) firms.

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Event Overview

This session was held on December 10, 2025 and focused on what federal policy changes mean for 8(a) contractors—plus how to reduce compliance risk, preserve contract value, and build credible scale options.

When it was held

December 10, 2025 • 11:00 AM EST • ~45–60 minutes

Format

Live webinar + expert insights + Q&A

Who it was for

8(a) owners, BD leaders, compliance teams, and partners

Replay link

The full event replay is available to watch directly on this page.

Speakers

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Paula K. Watts

Paula K. Watts

Government Procurement Innovators (GPI)

30+ years helping 8(a) firms navigate compliance and growth.
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JoAnn Braxton

JoAnn Braxton, MBA

SBA Program Expert

Applications, compliance, and program change insights.
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Herman Pate

Herman Pate, CPA

Investment Professional

Valuations, M&A, and investor readiness.
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Agenda

Below is the run of show from the live webinar.

Welcome & Introduction 5 min
Setting the stage for why this matters now.
Our Iceberg is Melting: Where the 8(a) Pipeline is Tightening 5 min

Clarity on the policy changes affecting your business:

  • Executive orders resetting the playing field
  • FAR Part 19 overhaul and what it means for you
  • Changes specific to 8(a) contracts
  • Policy shifts beyond legal and administrative changes
Pathways to Scale with SBA Subject Matter Experts 10 min
  • SBA’s All Small Mentor-Protégé Program (ASMP) across the 8(a) lifecycle
  • Leveraging Joint Ventures (JVs) to drive federal growth and investment readiness
  • How these tools can be a lifeline in the current climate
  • Interactive poll: collecting attendee feedback
Investor Insights: Creating Real Wealth Events 15 min
  • Liquidity options beyond 8(a) contracts
  • Recapitalization, mergers, and strategic sales—before graduation
  • What makes an 8(a) firm attractive to investors
  • Perspective on valuations in today’s market
Live Q&A with Former SBA Officials 10 min
  • Your questions answered in real time
  • Personalized guidance for your situation
  • Direct access to insider expertise
Closing & Next Steps 3–5 min
Key takeaways and how to continue.

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