Selling to the Government and Getting Certified
Submit bids to government agencies and apply for certifications for women-, veteran- and minority-owned businesses.
Missouri and Kansas have a network of organizations called the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers that can help with submitting bids to government agencies. They also support businesses in gaining certifications for women-, veteran- and minority-owned businesses.
The Small Business Administration has compiled a list of federal contracting offices in the Midwest, complete with contact information for specific departments and agencies.
The resources below can help you sell to the government.
Becoming certified
Certification programs can help you market your business to both large business and governments. Many large corporations and governmental entities set-aside a percentage of their purchasing contracts for small businesses, minority and/or women owned businesses. Becoming “certified” as one or more of these types of businesses enables a company to bid on contracting opportunities. MWBE.com offers a description of certification.
Many large corporations accept certification through third parties, such as Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Most government entities will require a company to at least go through a streamlined or shortened verification process that is specific to that agency. Certification can take from 30-90 days.
Organizations to assist in procurement and certification: