Equity & Inclusion Resource Catalog

Curated catalog of resources for equity and inclusion programs
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IDResource NameProviderTypeProgram AreaTopic AreaTarget AudienceCostURLFormatDurationLast UpdatedRatingNotes
R0018(a) Business Development Program OverviewU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuide8(a) BDProgram Overview & EligibilitySmall disadvantaged businessesFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-programWeb PortalSelf-paced20255Primary entry point for 8(a) certification info
R0028(a) Application Checklist & InstructionsU.S. Small Business AdministrationChecklist8(a) BDApplication Process8(a) applicantsFreehttps://www.sba.gov/document/support-8a-business-development-application-checklistPDF2-4 hours20255Step-by-step application document checklist
R003Certify.sba.gov - 8(a) Online Application PortalU.S. Small Business AdministrationPlatform8(a) BDCertification Application8(a) applicantsFreehttps://certify.sba.gov/Web PortalVaries20255Official online portal for submitting 8(a) applications
R0048(a) Mentor-Protege Program GuideU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuide8(a) BDMentor-Protege Relationships8(a) certified firms & mentorsFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/sba-mentor-protege-programWeb PortalSelf-paced20254Details on forming SBA mentor-protege joint ventures
R005SBA Learning Platform - Government Contracting CoursesU.S. Small Business AdministrationTraining8(a) BDFederal Contracting BasicsAll small businessesFreehttps://www.sba.gov/learning-platformOnline Course1-3 hours each20254Free self-paced courses on contracting, 8(a), and business development
R006HUBZone Program OverviewU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideHUBZoneProgram Overview & EligibilityBusinesses in HUBZonesFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-programWeb PortalSelf-paced20255Primary HUBZone program information page
R007HUBZone Map ToolU.S. Small Business AdministrationToolHUBZoneEligibility VerificationHUBZone applicantsFreehttps://maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/mapInteractive Map15-30 min20255Interactive map to verify HUBZone eligibility by address
R008HUBZone Certification ChecklistU.S. Small Business AdministrationChecklistHUBZoneApplication ProcessHUBZone applicantsFreehttps://www.sba.gov/document/support-hubzone-certification-checklistPDF1-2 hours20254Required documents and steps for HUBZone certification
R009HUBZone Compliance GuideU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideHUBZoneCompliance & RecertificationCertified HUBZone firmsFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-programPDF/WebSelf-paced20254Annual recertification requirements and compliance guidelines
R010Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting ProgramU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideWOSB/EDWOSBProgram Overview & EligibilityWomen-owned businessesFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contracting-programWeb PortalSelf-paced20255Overview of WOSB/EDWOSB set-aside program
R011WOSB Certification through SBAU.S. Small Business AdministrationPlatformWOSB/EDWOSBCertification ApplicationWOSB/EDWOSB applicantsFreehttps://certify.sba.gov/Web Portal2-4 hours20255Free WOSB/EDWOSB certification directly through SBA (replaced third-party certifiers)
R012NAICS Code Eligibility for WOSBU.S. Small Business AdministrationReferenceWOSB/EDWOSBNAICS Code EligibilityWOSB applicantsFreehttps://www.sba.gov/document/support-women-owned-small-business-federal-contracting-program-naics-codesPDF/Web30 min20254List of eligible NAICS codes for WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides
R013WBENC Certification ProgramWomen's Business Enterprise National CouncilCertificationWOSB/EDWOSBThird-Party CertificationWomen-owned businesses$350-$1,500/yrhttps://www.wbenc.org/certification/Web Portal60-90 days20255Gold-standard WBE certification recognized by major corporations
R014WBENC Events & Educational ProgrammingWomen's Business Enterprise National CouncilTrainingWOSB/EDWOSBBusiness Development & NetworkingWBE-certified firmsVarieshttps://www.wbenc.org/events/Conference/Webinar1-3 days20254National conference, regional events, and webinar series
R015Veteran-Owned Small Business Certification (VetCert)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsPlatformSDVOSB/VOSBCertification ApplicationVeteran-owned businessesFreehttps://veterans.certify.sba.gov/Web PortalVaries20255Official SBA VetCert portal (transitioned from VA CVE in Jan 2023)
R016SDVOSB/VOSB Certification GuideU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideSDVOSB/VOSBCertification ProcessVeteran business ownersFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-assistance-programsWeb PortalSelf-paced20255Comprehensive guide to VetCert eligibility and application
R017Boots to Business (B2B)U.S. Small Business AdministrationTrainingSDVOSB/VOSBEntrepreneurship TrainingTransitioning service membersFreehttps://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform/boots-businessOnline Course2-day course20255SBA entrepreneurship training for transitioning military
R018National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC)NVSBCMembershipSDVOSB/VOSBAdvocacy & NetworkingVeteran business owners$500-$2,500/yrhttps://www.nvsbc.org/Web Portal/EventsOngoing20254Advocacy, networking events, and government contracting resources for veteran businesses
R019National Veterans Business Development Council CertificationNational Veterans Business Development CouncilCertificationSDVOSB/VOSBThird-Party CertificationVeteran-owned businesses$450-$2,200/yrhttps://nvbdc.org/Web Portal30-60 days20254Private-sector veteran business certification for corporate supply chain inclusion
R020Minority Business Development Agency ProgramsU.S. Department of Commerce / MBDAGuideMBDAProgram OverviewMinority-owned businessesFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/Web PortalSelf-paced20255Federal agency dedicated to minority business growth and competitiveness
R021MBDA Business Center NetworkMBDATechnical AssistanceMBDABusiness Consulting & TAMinority entrepreneursFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/business-centersIn-Person/VirtualOngoing20255Nationwide network of business centers providing one-on-one consulting
R022MBDA Capital Readiness ProgramMBDATrainingMBDAAccess to CapitalMinority business ownersFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/capital-readinessWorkshop/WebinarVaries20254Training on accessing loans, grants, and equity financing
R023MBDA Federal Procurement CenterMBDATechnical AssistanceMBDAFederal ContractingMinority businesses pursuing federal contractsFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/federal-procurement-centerIn-Person/VirtualOngoing20254Specialized assistance for minority firms pursuing federal contracts
R024NMSDC MBE CertificationNational Minority Supplier Development CouncilCertificationNMSDCCertification ApplicationMinority-owned businesses$300-$1,000/yrhttps://nmsdc.org/mbes/mbe-certification/Web Portal45-90 days20255Premier minority business certification for corporate and government supply chains
R025NMSDC Conference & Business Opportunity ExchangeNational Minority Supplier Development CouncilTrainingNMSDCNetworking & Business DevelopmentMBE-certified firms$500-$2,000https://nmsdc.org/events/conference/Conference3-4 days20255Annual national conference with matchmaking and procurement sessions
R026NMSDC Business Consortium FundNMSDCFinancingNMSDCAccess to CapitalMBE-certified firmsVarieshttps://nmsdc.org/mbes/business-consortium-fund/Loan ProgramVaries20254Growth capital loans for certified MBEs through the BCF
R027NMSDC Centers of ExcellenceNMSDCTrainingNMSDCBusiness Development TrainingMBE-certified firmsVarieshttps://nmsdc.org/mbes/centers-of-excellence/Training ProgramMulti-week20254Advanced business development programs including executive education
R028AbilityOne Program OverviewU.S. AbilityOne CommissionGuideAbilityOneProgram OverviewNonprofits employing people with disabilitiesFreehttps://www.abilityone.gov/Web PortalSelf-paced20254Federal program channeling $4B+ annually to nonprofits employing people who are blind or have significant disabilities
R029AbilityOne Procurement List & ComplianceU.S. AbilityOne CommissionReferenceAbilityOneCompliance & ProcurementFederal contracting officersFreehttps://www.abilityone.gov/procurement_list/DatabaseSelf-paced20254Searchable procurement list of mandatory-source products and services
R030Indian Incentive Program (IIP)U.S. Department of WarGuideIndian IncentiveSubcontracting IncentivesDoW prime contractorsFreehttps://business.defense.gov/Programs/Indian-Incentive-Program/Web PortalSelf-paced202545% rebate on subcontracts awarded to Indian-owned businesses and Indian organizations
R031Indian Incentive Program Application InstructionsU.S. Department of War / OSBPGuideIndian IncentiveApplication ProcessDoW primes with Indian subcontractorsFreehttps://business.defense.gov/Programs/Indian-Incentive-Program/PDF/Web1-2 hours20253Instructions for submitting IIP rebate claims to DCMA
R032SCORE Mentoring for Small BusinessSCORE (SBA Resource Partner)MentoringSCOREBusiness MentoringAll small businessesFreehttps://www.score.org/In-Person/VirtualOngoing20255Free one-on-one mentoring from experienced business professionals
R033SCORE Government Contracting ResourcesSCORETrainingSCOREGovernment ContractingSmall businesses new to GovConFreehttps://www.score.org/government-contractingWebinar/Workshop1-2 hours20254Workshops and resources specifically for government contracting readiness
R034SCORE On-Demand CoursesSCORETrainingSCOREBusiness FundamentalsSmall business ownersFreehttps://www.score.org/coursesOnline Course30-90 min each20254Library of free on-demand courses covering business planning, marketing, finance
R035SBA District Office LocatorU.S. Small Business AdministrationDirectorySBA DistrictLocal SBA ServicesAll small businessesFreehttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistanceWeb PortalN/A20255Find local SBA district offices for in-person counseling and training
R036SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)SBA / UniversitiesTechnical AssistanceSBA DistrictBusiness ConsultingAll small businessesFreehttps://americassbdc.org/In-Person/VirtualOngoing20255Nearly 1,000 centers providing free consulting and low-cost training
R037Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)U.S. Small Business AdministrationTechnical AssistanceVBOCVeteran Business SupportVeteran entrepreneursFreehttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centersIn-Person/VirtualOngoing2025522 centers nationwide providing veteran-specific business counseling
R038VBOC Entrepreneurship TrainingSBA / VBOCsTrainingVBOCEntrepreneurship FundamentalsVeterans & military spousesFreehttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centersWorkshopMulti-day20254Structured entrepreneurship workshops for veterans
R039Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs)MBDA / SBATechnical AssistanceMBDCBusiness ConsultingMinority entrepreneursFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/business-centersIn-Person/VirtualOngoing20255One-on-one consulting, market research, and financial planning for MBEs
R040SAM.gov Registration GuideGeneral Services AdministrationGuideCross-CuttingSAM RegistrationAll federal contractorsFreehttps://sam.gov/Web Portal2-4 hours20255Required registration for all federal contractors - prerequisite for all set-aside programs
R041Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS)U.S. Small Business AdministrationToolCross-CuttingBusiness VisibilityCertified small businessesFreehttps://dsbs.sba.gov/Database30 min setup20254Searchable database where COs find certified small businesses for set-asides
R042SBA Surety Bond Guarantee ProgramU.S. Small Business AdministrationFinancingCross-CuttingBonding AssistanceSmall contractorsFree to applyhttps://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/surety-bondsWeb PortalSelf-paced20254SBA guarantees bonds for small businesses that cannot obtain them independently
R043Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) / APEX AcceleratorsDoW / APEXTechnical AssistanceCross-CuttingGovCon ReadinessAll small businessesFreehttps://www.apexaccelerators.us/In-Person/VirtualOngoing20255Nationwide network providing free government contracting assistance (formerly PTACs)
R044GSA Schedule (MAS) Overview for Small BusinessGeneral Services AdministrationGuideCross-CuttingGSA Schedule CertificationSmall businesses seeking GSA contractsFreehttps://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/purchasing-programs/multiple-award-scheduleWeb PortalSelf-paced20255Overview of the GSA MAS program and how to get on schedule
R045DoW Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)U.S. Department of WarGuideCross-CuttingDoW Small Business ProgramsSmall businesses in defenseFreehttps://business.defense.gov/Web PortalSelf-paced20255Central hub for all DoW small business and socioeconomic programs
R046Subcontracting Opportunities Directory (Sub-Net)U.S. Small Business AdministrationToolCross-CuttingSubcontracting OpportunitiesSmall businesses seeking subcontractsFreehttps://eweb1.sba.gov/subnet/client/dsp_Landing.cfmDatabaseSelf-paced20253Database of subcontracting opportunities posted by prime contractors
R047FedBizOpps / Contract Opportunities on SAM.govGeneral Services AdministrationToolCross-CuttingOpportunity SearchAll federal contractorsFreehttps://sam.gov/content/opportunitiesDatabaseSelf-paced20255Official source for all federal contract opportunities including set-asides
Program AreaIDResource NameProviderTypeCostURL
8(a) Business DevelopmentR0018(a) Business Development Program OverviewU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program
8(a) Business DevelopmentR0028(a) Application Checklist & InstructionsU.S. Small Business AdministrationChecklistFreehttps://www.sba.gov/document/support-8a-business-development-application-checklist
8(a) Business DevelopmentR003Certify.sba.gov - 8(a) Online Application PortalU.S. Small Business AdministrationPlatformFreehttps://certify.sba.gov/
8(a) Business DevelopmentR0048(a) Mentor-Protege Program GuideU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/sba-mentor-protege-program
8(a) Business DevelopmentR005SBA Learning Platform - Government Contracting CoursesU.S. Small Business AdministrationTrainingFreehttps://www.sba.gov/learning-platform
HUBZoneR006HUBZone Program OverviewU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program
HUBZoneR007HUBZone Map ToolU.S. Small Business AdministrationToolFreehttps://maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map
HUBZoneR008HUBZone Certification ChecklistU.S. Small Business AdministrationChecklistFreehttps://www.sba.gov/document/support-hubzone-certification-checklist
HUBZoneR009HUBZone Compliance GuideU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program
WOSB / EDWOSBR010Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting ProgramU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contracting-program
WOSB / EDWOSBR011WOSB Certification through SBAU.S. Small Business AdministrationPlatformFreehttps://certify.sba.gov/
WOSB / EDWOSBR012NAICS Code Eligibility for WOSBU.S. Small Business AdministrationReferenceFreehttps://www.sba.gov/document/support-women-owned-small-business-federal-contracting-program-naics-codes
WOSB / EDWOSBR013WBENC Certification ProgramWomen's Business Enterprise National CouncilCertification$350-$1,500/yrhttps://www.wbenc.org/certification/
WOSB / EDWOSBR014WBENC Events & Educational ProgrammingWomen's Business Enterprise National CouncilTrainingVarieshttps://www.wbenc.org/events/
SDVOSB / VOSBR015Veteran-Owned Small Business Certification (VetCert)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsPlatformFreehttps://veterans.certify.sba.gov/
SDVOSB / VOSBR016SDVOSB/VOSB Certification GuideU.S. Small Business AdministrationGuideFreehttps://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-assistance-programs
SDVOSB / VOSBR017Boots to Business (B2B)U.S. Small Business AdministrationTrainingFreehttps://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform/boots-business
SDVOSB / VOSBR018National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC)NVSBCMembership$500-$2,500/yrhttps://www.nvsbc.org/
SDVOSB / VOSBR019National Veterans Business Development Council CertificationNational Veterans Business Development CouncilCertification$450-$2,200/yrhttps://nvbdc.org/
MBDAR020Minority Business Development Agency ProgramsU.S. Department of Commerce / MBDAGuideFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/
MBDAR021MBDA Business Center NetworkMBDATechnical AssistanceFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/business-centers
MBDAR022MBDA Capital Readiness ProgramMBDATrainingFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/capital-readiness
MBDAR023MBDA Federal Procurement CenterMBDATechnical AssistanceFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/federal-procurement-center
NMSDCR024NMSDC MBE CertificationNational Minority Supplier Development CouncilCertification$300-$1,000/yrhttps://nmsdc.org/mbes/mbe-certification/
NMSDCR025NMSDC Conference & Business Opportunity ExchangeNational Minority Supplier Development CouncilTraining$500-$2,000https://nmsdc.org/events/conference/
NMSDCR026NMSDC Business Consortium FundNMSDCFinancingVarieshttps://nmsdc.org/mbes/business-consortium-fund/
NMSDCR027NMSDC Centers of ExcellenceNMSDCTrainingVarieshttps://nmsdc.org/mbes/centers-of-excellence/
AbilityOneR028AbilityOne Program OverviewU.S. AbilityOne CommissionGuideFreehttps://www.abilityone.gov/
AbilityOneR029AbilityOne Procurement List & ComplianceU.S. AbilityOne CommissionReferenceFreehttps://www.abilityone.gov/procurement_list/
Indian Incentive ProgramR030Indian Incentive Program (IIP)U.S. Department of WarGuideFreehttps://business.defense.gov/Programs/Indian-Incentive-Program/
Indian Incentive ProgramR031Indian Incentive Program Application InstructionsU.S. Department of War / OSBPGuideFreehttps://business.defense.gov/Programs/Indian-Incentive-Program/
SCORER032SCORE Mentoring for Small BusinessSCORE (SBA Resource Partner)MentoringFreehttps://www.score.org/
SCORER033SCORE Government Contracting ResourcesSCORETrainingFreehttps://www.score.org/government-contracting
SCORER034SCORE On-Demand CoursesSCORETrainingFreehttps://www.score.org/courses
SBA District / SBDCsR035SBA District Office LocatorU.S. Small Business AdministrationDirectoryFreehttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistance
SBA District / SBDCsR036SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)SBA / UniversitiesTechnical AssistanceFreehttps://americassbdc.org/
VBOCsR037Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)U.S. Small Business AdministrationTechnical AssistanceFreehttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers
VBOCsR038VBOC Entrepreneurship TrainingSBA / VBOCsTrainingFreehttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers
MBDCsR039Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs)MBDA / SBATechnical AssistanceFreehttps://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/business-centers
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR040SAM.gov Registration GuideGeneral Services AdministrationGuideFreehttps://sam.gov/
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR041Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS)U.S. Small Business AdministrationToolFreehttps://dsbs.sba.gov/
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR042SBA Surety Bond Guarantee ProgramU.S. Small Business AdministrationFinancingFree to applyhttps://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/surety-bonds
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR043Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) / APEX AcceleratorsDoW / APEXTechnical AssistanceFreehttps://www.apexaccelerators.us/
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR044GSA Schedule (MAS) Overview for Small BusinessGeneral Services AdministrationGuideFreehttps://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/purchasing-programs/multiple-award-schedule
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR045DoW Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)U.S. Department of WarGuideFreehttps://business.defense.gov/
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR046Subcontracting Opportunities Directory (Sub-Net)U.S. Small Business AdministrationToolFreehttps://eweb1.sba.gov/subnet/client/dsp_Landing.cfm
Cross-Cutting / GeneralR047FedBizOpps / Contract Opportunities on SAM.govGeneral Services AdministrationToolFreehttps://sam.gov/content/opportunities
RankResource NameProviderProgram AreaWhy RecommendedURL
1APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs)DoW / APEXCross-CuttingFree, nationwide GovCon counseling. The single most important resource for any small business entering federal contracting. Counselors help with SAM registration, capability statements, proposal writing, and set-aside eligibility.https://www.apexaccelerators.us/
2SBA Certify Portal (8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, VetCert)U.S. Small Business AdministrationAll SBA ProgramsUnified portal for all SBA socioeconomic certifications. Streamlined process replaces legacy systems. Essential first step for any firm seeking set-aside contracts.https://certify.sba.gov/
3SAM.gov RegistrationGeneral Services AdministrationCross-CuttingMandatory registration for all federal contractors. Must be completed before pursuing any contract or certification. Free but requires careful data entry of business information.https://sam.gov/
4SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)SBA / UniversitiesCross-CuttingNearly 1,000 centers nationwide offering free one-on-one consulting. Advisors help with business plans, financial projections, marketing, and government contracting readiness.https://americassbdc.org/
5NMSDC MBE CertificationNational Minority Supplier Development CouncilNMSDCPremier private-sector minority business certification. Opens doors to corporate supply chains of Fortune 500 companies. Essential complement to federal set-aside certifications.https://nmsdc.org/mbes/mbe-certification/
6WBENC CertificationWomen's Business Enterprise National CouncilWOSB/EDWOSBGold-standard women's business certification for private-sector opportunities. Recognized by major corporations and increasingly by government primes seeking subcontracting partners.https://www.wbenc.org/certification/
7SCORE MentoringSCORE (SBA Resource Partner)Cross-CuttingFree mentoring from 10,000+ experienced business professionals. Particularly valuable for new business owners navigating government contracting for the first time.https://www.score.org/
8MBDA Business Center NetworkU.S. Department of Commerce / MBDAMBDAFree consulting specifically for minority-owned businesses. Centers provide market research, financial planning, and federal procurement assistance tailored to MBEs.https://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs/business-centers
9Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)U.S. Small Business AdministrationVBOC22 centers nationwide dedicated to veteran entrepreneurs. Provide Boots to Business training, mentoring, and counseling specific to veteran-owned business challenges.https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers
10DoW Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)U.S. Department of WarCross-CuttingCentral hub for all DoW small business programs including Mentor-Protege, Indian Incentive, subcontracting goals, and SBIR/STTR. Essential for defense-focused small businesses.https://business.defense.gov/
DateUpdated ByActionResources AffectedNotes
2026-03-09APEX Products TeamInitial catalog createdR001-R047 (47 resources)Comprehensive catalog covering 13 program areas with real URLs and current information
Instructions: Log all updates to this catalog here. Include date, updater, and specific resources changed.