Small Business Council Meeting Focuses on Procurement Opportunities
Procurement opportunities and resources in California were the focus of the second quarter meeting of the CalChamber Small Business Policy Council on April 25.
David Nelson, CEO and founder of Capitol Regions, explained to persons attending the meeting the types of technical assistance available and where to find additional support.
Technical Assistance Providers
Nelson gave a quick overview of the four types of technical assistance providers that offer support to help businesses prepare for and win government contracts:
• APEX Accelerators: Provide no-cost support to businesses seeking to sell to government agencies. APEX services include bid matching, contract counseling and navigating federal acquisition regulations.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): The centers offer confidential business advising, training and resources to help small businesses grow and compete, including government procurement.
• Women’s Business Centers (WBC): Focus on supporting women entrepreneurs through training, counseling and access to capital. The centers also help with certifications and procurement readiness.
• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC): Tailored to veteran-owned businesses, these centers provide business plan workshops, mentorship and procurement assistance.
APEX Accelerators
Nelson highlighted the support available from APEX Accelerators, which help businesses identify potential government opportunities, connect with relevant agencies and match firms with potential buyers.
The APEX Accelerators were formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). Congress authorized the program in 1985 to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracts.
The program began operating with the APEX Accelerators name in the 2023 fiscal year and is part of the Office of Small Business Programs in the U.S. Department of Defense.
The APEX Accelerators act as a resource hub for businesses looking to succeed in government contracting. Accelerator services range from initial guidance to ongoing support. The Accelerator offices help businesses obtain certifications and registrations required for government contracting, including those needed for small, disadvantaged and women-owned firms.
More specifically, APEX Accelerators offer bid matching, help with developing and reviewing proposals, training workshops and compliance guidance.
More Resources
Nelson shared with meeting attendees a number of additional resources:
• Federal Contracting Assistance: The U.S. Small Business Administration offers government contracting certifications (including set-asides for the 8(a) business development, HUBZones, women-owned and veteran-owned small business programs). Also available are training programs and tools to help small businesses access federal opportunities.
• Small Business Centers – California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA): These state-funded centers provide one-on-one technical assistance, support with state certifications, and access to business resources.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): The Find My SBDC page allows searchers to enter their ZIP code to locate the nearest SBDC providing tailored support in business planning, accessing capital, and procurement.
• Small Business/Disabled Veteran Business: A Small Business/Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Advocate Directory page, allowing searches to find contact information and other details for advocates for nearly every agency in California. Included on that page is a direct link to the directory.
The inaugural chair of the CalChamber Small Business Policy Council is Sandra Floyd, president and CEO of OUTSOURCE Consulting Services, Inc.