SBA Regulatory Updates: Reducing Cost Barriers and Encouraging Investment in Early-Stage GovCons

By TED ROSE, ROSE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS


The Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced a series of regulatory changes aimed at increasing investment opportunities and reducing compliance burdens for early-stage government contractors (GovCons). The new final rule, effective January 16, 2025, revises key aspects of the 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program and aligns regulations across multiple small business programs, making it easier for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses to secure investment and scale effectively.


Key Changes to Financial Reporting Requirements



The SBA has increased the revenue thresholds that determine whether 8(a) participants must submit in-house, reviewed, or audited financial statements. This change acknowledges the rising compliance costs for many early stage GovCons. 


  • Audited financial statements: Now required for companies exceeding $20 million in revenue (previously $10 million).
  • Reviewed financial statements: Now required for companies with revenue between $7.5 million and $20 million (previously $2 million–$10 million).
  • In-house financial statements: Now required for companies with revenue below $7.5 million (previously $2 million).


By easing these requirements, early-stage GovCons can redirect financial resources from compliance costs to business development and growth.


Expanded Investment Opportunities for 8(a) Participants


The SBA has also loosened restrictions on non-disadvantaged investment in 8(a) businesses, enabling greater financial backing during both the developmental and transitional stages of participation.


  • Non-disadvantaged investors may now hold a 20% stake during the developmental stage (previously 10%) and a 30% stake during the transitional stage (previously 20%).
  • Changes in ownership by non-disadvantaged parties no longer require SBA approval if their total stake remains at 30% or below, streamlining investment transactions.
  • Non-disadvantaged investors can now retain a right of first refusal for purchasing ownership interests in 8(a) participants, encouraging greater financial participation while maintaining program integrity... Read more in the ROSE Community.

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In 1994 Ted Rose founded Rose Financial Solutions (ROSE), the Premier U.S. Based Finance and Accounting Outsourcing Firm. In 2010, the Blackbook of Outsourcing named ROSE the #1 FAO firm in the world based on client satisfaction. As the president and CEO of ROSE, he provides executives with financial clarity. Ted has also acted as the CFO for a number of growth companies and assisted with various rounds of financing and M&A transactions.

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September 4, 2025
Rose Financial Solutions (“ROSE®”), a pioneer in Finance as a Service ( FaaS ), today announced new strategic partnerships designed to empower fractional CFOs and CPA firms to support clients with scalable financial infrastructure. Through alliances with Apex Finance Solutions, CFO Advisory DC, CTM Partners, and Rubino & Company , ROSE is expanding access to scalable, AI -enabled solutions that simplify financial operations and amplify the value advisors deliver to growing businesses. “Fractional CFOs and CPA firms are critical growth partners for businesses, but they shouldn’t have to build financial infrastructure on their own,” said Ted Rose, President, CEO, and Founder of ROSE . “With these partnerships, we’re giving them access to enterprise-grade tools that drive efficiency, scalability, and insight—so they can remain focused on their most important role: trusted advisors.” At the center of these partnerships is ROSE’s Finance as a Service ( FaaS ) model, which integrates People, Process, Technology, Organization, and Data . This framework simplifies back-office operations while empowering financial leaders with real-time insights, audit-readiness, and proactive decision-making . All four partners now gain access to Easby ® , ROSE’s AI-powered, enterprise-grade automation platform that seamlessly integrates with accounting systems to transform financial data into actionable intelligence. Meet the Partners Apex Finance Solutions : Guides high-performing entrepreneurs with executive-level financial leadership. With Easby®, Apex enhances its strategic advisory capabilities through real-time data insights. CFO Advisory DC : Brings a global perspective from private equity, impact investing, and strategy consulting. Easby strengthens its ability to deliver operational excellence and scalable growth strategies. CTM Partners : Specializes in driving scalable growth and operational efficiency through financial leadership. By leveraging ROSE’s FaaS model, CTM expands client visibility and decision-making agility. Rubino : A Maryland-based CPA firm delivering audit, tax, and CFO consulting expertise (through their CAS – Client Accounting Services). By integrating Easby, Rubino enhances compliance readiness while delivering deeper client insights. “This is just the beginning of our CFO and CPA partner network buildout,” added Rose. “Our goal is to ensure every growth focused organization in the nation has access to the same level of sophistication and scalability as enterprise finance teams—without the cost or complexity. Our nationwide network will reshape the way financial leaders deliver trusted, data-driven advisory services.” About Rose Financial Solutions ROSE is a leading provider of Finance as a Service (FaaS – next generation of finance and accounting outsourcing) , helping businesses simplify financial operations by aligning People, Process, Technology, Organization, and Data . Its enterprise-grade AI-enabled automation platform, Easby® , transforms financial data into actionable insights, enabling companies to scale with confidence and agility. With ROSE and Easby, organizations achieve audit readiness, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making—redefining the future of finance and accounting. To learn more about how ROSE and Easby® can transform your financial operations, visit www.rosefinancial.com and www.easby.ai . Ready to empower your firm with enterprise-grade financial infrastructure? Contact us today to explore partnership opportunities.
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