Insights and analysis

What We’re Seeing

These posts share what we're observing across small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local economies. We write about trends, challenges, and shifts we see through our direct work with founders and business owners in San Antonio and beyond. We give our community timely, useful information they can actually apply.

Federal Contracting, Small Business & Public Policy, Texas GovCon Trends Lina Rugova | Emerge and Rise Federal Contracting, Small Business & Public Policy, Texas GovCon Trends Lina Rugova | Emerge and Rise

SBA Tightens 8(a) Eligibility Rules in 2026

The SBA’s January 2026 guidance introduces a race-neutral, evidence-based eligibility standard for the 8(a) Program. Admissions were already down to 65 new firms in 2025, and the new rules make entry even more selective. Here’s what contractors must prepare for now.

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