"This certification is intended for organizations that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. SBA considers African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific American, Native Americans and Subcontinent Asian Americans to be socially and economically disadvantaged. An individual who does not belong to any of the aforementioned groups can otherwise be admitted to the program if able to show they are disadvantaged due to race, ethnic origin, gender, physical handicap, long-term residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society; or other similar cause."