Expand It

Government Contracting

Selling to Uncle Sam

Many businesses have found government contracting to be both a lucrative and long-term avenue to expansion. Every level of government buys goods and services, spending billions of dollars annually even during times of economic uncertainty.

To best position your firm for successful government contracting on all levels, the Florida SBDC Network suggests these steps:

Evaluate
Understand what agencies buy, when and how much is purchased; focus on market areas that present the best probability for your firm’s success.

Plan
Target government agencies and prime contractors who are buying what you provide; research government agency procurement histories and forecasts.

Register
Complete the required/mandatory government database registrations including: D&B DUNS, System for Award Management, Dynamic Small Business Search, MyFloridaMarketPlace, city government and others.

Prepare
Develop a corporate capability statement for your firm, create a government-focused “sales pitch,” collateral materials and e-marketing resources; secure preferred small business certifications such as: 8(a); Woman-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, Veteran-Owned and applicable state and local certifications.

Pursue
Monitor computerized Bid Matching Services (daily searches and email alerts); identify contracting/sub-contracting opportunities through government bid boards, posting databases and networking; obtain a GSA Schedule contract, if applicable; analyze solicitations/bids and cost elements.

Achieve
Support the phase-in of your government contract; develop a government-accepted accounting system; prepare in advance to handle any possible contract audits, reports and modifications.

Government Contracting
Specialists at the Florida SBDC Network are available to help you learn the ins and outs of government contracting and help you best position your firm as a successful government contractor.

Exporting

Going Global

Another option for small businesses looking to increase sales and profits is expansion into international markets. Does your firm’s product or service lend itself to export? Have you considered extending your market reach across international borders? If you answered “yes” to either question, your geographic positioning could not be more ideal.

Positioned at the nexus of transportation links in the Americas, Florida boasts a multimodal system that ensures the seamless movement of people and products between any two points around the globe. Moreover, Florida businesses enjoy access to the nation’s second largest Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) network, where value can be added to foreign goods tariff free before shipping them on to another country.

If you find the idea of expanding into international markets an appealing growth strategy for your business, exporting assistance is available through Enterprise Florida’s International Trade and Business Development division and its six trade offices, which are strategically located throughout the state.

For companies brand new to exporting, the Florida SBDC Network offers International Trade Services and Trade Specialists to help business owners navigate the complexities of international trade. One-on-one consulting is available to help with learning foreign trade basics, obtaining required licenses, understanding country requirements for products and preparing an “Export Marketing Plan.”

Tags: Florida Small Business, Growing Your Business