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How to Grow Your Business Using Federal Data

We all know federal contracting is hard for small businesses to navigate – barriers to entry, learning curves, and slow sales cycles are enough to frustrate even the most intrepid entrepreneur. Even worse, countless opportunistic private companies prey on unsuspecting contractors.

The government provides several free resources, but those new to the industry may have unrealistic expectations and inflated notions of outcomes. We want to bring to your attention these four federally-provided resources that may not be on your radar, and how to leverage them effectively.

1. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

There are nearly 11 million minority-owned businesses in the United States, employing more than 6.3 million people and generating $1.8 trillion in revenue annually.

With more than 75 Business and Specialty Centers and Programs across the United States, MBDA is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). This includes businesses owned and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Hasidic Jews, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.

Using their Business and Specialty Centers and Programs, MBDA provides access not only to capital and contracts, but also to high growth industries, emerging markets, and global supply chains, through technical assistance in the following areas:

  • Business development
  • Capacity building
  • Navigation

Accomplishments

  • In FY23, MBDA’s efforts saw $3.8 billion in contract awards for minority-owned businesses, and over 19,000 in either generated or protected jobs in minority-owned businesses.
  • In FY22, MBDA facilitated access to more than $1.5 billion in capital.

2. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA is a federal agency dedicated to aiding small businesses by providing access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocacy. It offers loans, grants, counseling, and training programs. Additionally, SBA provides:

  • Certification Programs: The SBA administers several certification programs that can enhance a small business’s competitiveness in government contracting. These include the 8(a) Business Development program, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program, and the HUBZone program.
  • Contracting Assistance: Guidance and assistance for small businesses seeking government contracts, helping them identify contracting opportunities, understand the bidding process, and comply with requirements.
  • Surety Bond Guarantee Program: Provides bonding guarantees to help small businesses meet performance and payment obligations.
  • Training and Counseling: Offers programs through Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE chapters.
  • Access to Capital: Offers loan programs including the 7(a) Loan Program, the Microloan Program, and the CDC/504 Loan Program.
  • Entrepreneurial Development: Provides counseling, training, and mentorship services.
  • Advocacy and Policy: Advocates on behalf of small businesses in government regulations and policymaking.

SBA is also affiliated with programs SCORE and Ascent that can provide further assistance.

a. SCORE

SCORE is a nonprofit affiliated with SBA that provides free mentoring, workshops, and resources to small business owners. With 10,000 volunteers across the U.S., SCORE provides:

  • Free mentoring
  • Training webinars and on-demand courses
  • Library of online resources
  • Local webinars and workshops

Accomplishments

  • In FY22, SCORE assisted in creating more than 30,000 new small businesses.
  • In FY22, SCORE helped add 112,570 total jobs to the U.S. economy.
  • 90% of SCORE’s clients were still in business at the end of 2022, and 55% saw increased revenue.

b. Ascent

Women entrepreneurs own 45% of all U.S. businesses, employing 9.4 million workers and generating $1.9 trillion in revenue. To support them, SBA launched Ascent, a free learning platform for women entrepreneurs.

Features include:

  • Exercise and tools
  • Fireside chats
  • Infographics
  • Success stories
  • Discussion guides
  • Videos
  • Key insights
  • Self-assessments

Government contractor-focused excursions:

  • Government As Your Customers
  • Government Contracting Opportunities
  • Government Subcontracting Opportunities
  • Set-Aside Certifications
  • Federal Solicitations
  • GSA Contracts

3. Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)

Founded in 2009, VIP accelerates the success of veteran-owned small businesses in the federal market. Supported by SBA, Maryland, and corporate partners, VIP provides free classroom instruction with contributions from over 250 leaders and experts.

Graduates of VIP are:

  • 80% SDVOSB
  • 60% Minority-Owned
  • 30% 8(a)
  • 22% Woman-Owned
  • 15% HUBZone

VIP graduates have been awarded over $33 billion in federal prime contracts since 2010, with 38 recognized as some of the fastest-growing U.S. companies.

4. PTACs (APEXs) / OSDBUs

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) help small businesses compete for contracts by offering training, counseling, and bid-matching services.

  • Attend Workshops: Learn procurement processes, regulations, and certifications.
  • One-on-One Counseling: Get personalized guidance on proposals, registrations, and compliance.
  • Bid Matching Services: Identify relevant government contracting opportunities.
  • Assistance with Registrations: Help registering in SAM and securing certifications.
  • Proposal Review: Receive feedback on proposals before submission.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meet with government agencies, contractors, and industry peers.

a. OSDBUs

Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBUs) within agencies ensure fair access for small and disadvantaged businesses.

  • Advocacy and Outreach: Promote awareness through events and workshops.
  • Assistance and Guidance: Provide resources for navigating contracting processes.
  • Compliance and Reporting: Monitor small business goals and collect utilization data.
  • Training and Education: Offer webinars, workshops, and resources to boost capabilities.
  • Collaboration and Partnership: Work with agencies and advocacy groups to share best practices.

With these tools, small businesses can access capital, training, and collaboration opportunities to build credibility and succeed in federal contracting.