[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 13, Volume 1] [Revised as of January 1, 2001] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 13CFR124.2] [Page 285-286] TITLE 13--BUSINESS CREDIT AND ASSISTANCE CHAPTER I--SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PART 124--8(A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS STATUS DETERMINATIONS--Table of Contents Subpart A--8(a) Business Development Sec. 124.2 What length of time may a business participate in the 8(a) BD program? A Participant receives a program term of nine years from the date of SBA's approval letter certifying the concern's admission to the program. [[Page 286]] The Participant must maintain its program eligibility during its tenure in the program and must inform SBA of any changes that would adversely affect its program eligibility. A firm that completes its nine year term of participation in the 8(a) BD program is deemed to graduate from the program. The nine year program term may be shortened only by termination, early graduation or voluntary graduation as provided for in this subpart.