How can SBA certification help you?
The United States federal government is the world's largest buyer of products and services, with companies of all sizes included on its supplier lists. It's easier than you might think for small businesses to compete and win a share of the $ 500 billion in annual government contracts.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) was formed in 1953 with a mandate to help small businesses work with federal contracting, with the ultimate goal of awarding 23% of all contracts to small businesses.
The SBA recognizes that small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, and contracting with the government is a great way for them to grow and develop.
To that end, the SBA offers outreach programs, matchmaking events, and online training opportunities, and many other programs designed to help small businesses identify and pursue hiring opportunities.
In addition, the federal government has lucrative “reserve” programs - contracts awarded exclusively to certified small businesses.
What SBA Programs Are Available?
To qualify for government contracts, small businesses must demonstrate to the contracting agency that they are ready, willing, and most importantly, capable of fulfilling government contracts by obtaining the necessary certification.
It is not an easy process, but there are a variety of certifications that small businesses can apply for and obtain:
8 (a) Business Development Program: The 8 (a) certification is a highly sought after nine-year business development program established to help socially and economically disadvantaged individuals grow their businesses through mentoring, training, workshops, business matchmaking opportunities, mentoring, and other orientation.
Learn more about 8 (a) certification
HUBZone Program - This certification is for small businesses located in distressed urban and rural communities, designed to boost business activity in those areas.
Learn more about the HUBZone certification
VOSB / SDVOSB - Veteran-Owned Small Business / Veteran-Owned Small Business Program with Service Disabilities: Specifically for veterans, including those disabled through their service.
Learn more about the SDVOB certification
NMSDC - MBE Program for Minority Owned Small Businesses - This certification is for disadvantaged small business owners of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian descent, creating contractual preferences and partnership opportunities.
Learn more about the NMSDC - MBE certification
WBE / WBENC: Women-Owned Business Certification. This certification is perfect for women-owned businesses who want to work as salespeople for large corporations. Get your foot in the door by informing supplier diversity managers that your certification has been awarded.
Learn more about the WBE / WBENC certification
WOSB Program - The federal Women-Owned Small Business Contract Program is for women-owned businesses in industries where they are underrepresented, with the goal of driving the success of women-owned businesses in the US.
Learn more about WOSB certification
All businesses applying for these programs must be at least 51% owned by US citizens and qualify as small based on their industry classification. Click here for see them SBA sizing standards To see if your business qualifies, then let's get started!
Introduction to public procurement
Prepare your small business for public procurement in three easy steps:
Gather your precertification documents:
NAICS and SIC Codes - The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used to classify the industry your business occupies and has largely superseded SIC codes.
Sign up for the Award Management System (SAM): SAM is an online database maintained by the federal government of companies wishing to do business with the federal government. Government agencies search the database for potential suppliers.
Make sure your business is financially sound - It is important to have at least two years of tax returns ready and a clear plan on how you will fund additional personnel and materials if needed for contracts.
- EIN: Employer identification number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
DUNS Number - Used to identify and track your business, issued by Dun & Bradstreet.
Look in FedBizOpps.gov the recruiting opportunities that suit your business.
Contact WAM US Consultants for help with the certification you need to start bidding on local and federal contracts.
What are the benefits of public procurement?
Build a stronger business through government contracting:
Consistent and Reliable Income - Government contracts can provide stable monthly income, helping to grow your business and protect against slow periods of non-government work.
Add Strength to Your Business Portfolio - Government agencies look good on your client list, so using them to strengthen your portfolio can make you very attractive to other potential clients.
Increase the value of your business: Ongoing contracts can increase the value of your business when it comes time to sell and attract bigger buyers in your industry.
Payment Guarantee: By law, government agencies must pay contractors within a predetermined timeframe.
Steady Growth for Your Business - Public procurement, once mastered, can be the perfect growth strategy for your business.
Why work with WAMUS ConsultORES?
Many small businesses offer products and services that government agencies are looking for, but lack the staff with the training and time to obtain the proper certifications. Additionally, many business owners can be overwhelmed just by looking at the process and leaving it as too complicated and confusing despite the obvious possibilities for improvement.
WAM US Consultants can take the guesswork out of deciding which certification is right for your business and help you prepare and submit the documentation necessary for successful recruitment. The experts at WAM US Consultores have the experience to help you identify the right certifications for your business and can help you obtain them in the shortest time possible for a reasonable fee.
Learn more about our SBA certification services
For an assessment of your needs and an estimate of the fee, please let us know how to contact you: