Grow your small business through government contracting
Did you know the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world? It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses.
The government wants to buy from small businesses for several reasons, including:
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To ensure that large businesses don’t “muscle out” small businesses
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To gain access to the new ideas that small businesses provide
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To support small businesses as engines of economic development and job creation
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To offer opportunities to disadvantaged socio-economic groups
SBA’s Contracting Guide will help you learn the basic requirements, types of contracts, and how to evaluate your small business to see if it has what it takes to win a government contract.
SBA’s 8(a) business development program helps small business grow with access to federal contacts
The SBA’s 8(a) program is a robust nine-year business development program created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are interested in expanding their footprint in the federal marketplace.
The 8(a) certification qualifies your business as eligible to compete for the program’s sole-source and competitive set-aside contracts. Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability
to compete effectively in the American economy. SBA partners with federal agencies to promote maximum utilization of 8(a) program participants to ensure equitable access to contracting opportunities with the federal government.
The 8(a) program can be a valuable tool for experienced socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners, who have already been in business for at least two years or more, and are interested in expanding their footprint in the federal marketplace.
Upcoming Webinar with SBA Seattle and Washington PTAC
Join SBA Business Opportunity Specialist Ana Singh along with Washington PTAC Counselor and 8(a) graduate Trena Payton for a candid conversation about the 8(a) program covering:
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What it takes to qualify for the program
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What a business owner should consider before they apply
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How to use this program to grow your business
Bring your questions and be prepared for a robust Q & A session designed to:
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Answer questions surrounding all phases of the program
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Explain a business owner’s role in making the program work for them
This virtual event is hosted by
Washington Procurement Assistance Center (PTAC) and is free to attend, but registration is required.
Candid Conversations: 8(a) Program
Thursday, July 28
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Virtual
Boost your marketing plan through social media
Social media has become a part of our everyday lives. Social Media Day is a time to focus on the positive contributions this technology adds to our personal, social, and business lives.
Every year, more customers are learning about small businesses through social media. If you are new to social media, SBA offers a free online course for tips on how to use social media to increase your sales.
And don’t forget to follow your SBA Seattle District office on social media to stay up to date on announcements, events, and up to date information.
Thursday, July 7
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Are You Ready to Start a Business?
Tuesday, July 12
9 – 9:45 a.m. |
Grow with a Pro (Tax Professional)*
2 – 4 p.m. |
Digital Marketing: Engaging Your Customers Online
Thursday, July 14
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Small Business Cybersecurity Part 2: Authentication
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Business Expert Session: 5 Steps to Profit
Thursday, July 28
10 – 11:30 a.m. |
Candid Conversations: SBA’s 8(a) Small Business Development Program
*SBA’s participation or support is not an endorsement of any product, service, or entity
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