Growing Your Business
GUIDE: GROWING YOUR BUSINESS > PART THREE
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.
SKIP TO PART 4: HIRING AND RETAINING EMPLOYEES
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
Specializes in: Obtaining Government Contracts
Missouri Apex Accelerator - Kansas City
Specializes in: Obtaining Government Contracts
Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council
Specializes in: Obtaining Government Contracts
The Toolbox: Small Business Resource Center
Specializes in: Obtaining Government Contracts
Economic Development Corporation of KCMO
In addition, the EDC administers the city's TIF program, LCRA and Enhanced Enterprise/Zone Works program.
GO Topeka
GSA Heartland Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City
Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of Greater Kansas City
Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Minority & Women Business Development
Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center - Kansas City
Miami County Economic Development Department
Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The Black MasterMind Group Charitable Foundation
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. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers a description of certification.
Many large corporations accept certification through third parties, such as Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council and the Wom2en’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:
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
Specializes in: Obtaining Certification
M-Powerment Solutions
Specializes in: Obtaining Certification
Missouri Apex Accelerator - Kansas City
Specializes in: Obtaining Certification
Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council
Specializes in: Obtaining Certification
The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center
Specializes in: Obtaining Certification
The Toolbox: Small Business Resource Center
Specializes in: Obtaining Certification
Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City
Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of Greater Kansas City
Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Minority & Women Business Development
KC BizCare
Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC)
Unified Contractors of Kansas City
Women's Business Center of Kansas City
GUIDE: GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
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