Want to sell to the government or become a corporate vendor? Wonder if small business certifications help?

Government contracts or large corporate accounts can be a great financial opportunity for a small business and an excellent strategy for growth and diversification. However, the marketplace is competitive and, to be successful, there are major factors to consider when doing business with the government or large corporations.

The Contractor Academy provides in-depth training sessions designed help small businesses develop strategic approaches to business readiness for working with government or corporate clientele. This course is designed for small business owners with:

1. At least 2-3 years of ongoing operations (as a locally licensed or Georgia registered business),
2. Established product or service offerings with comparable revenue growth AND/OR $100K+ annual revenue; and
3. A strong desire to expand into contracting with government agencies, prime contractors, or with larger corporations.

Because enrollment is very limited, there is an application process*.

READY TO APPLY? CLICK HERE!

CLICK HERE TO SEE AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM

*All applications will be reviewed and approved by the Contractor Academy team. If you have a Capabilities Statement, please include it with your application. Upon approval, a link will be provided to you to register for the class.

Cost: $249.00
EARLY BIRD Cost: $99
Hours: 20

Dates: Four working sessions – Wednesdays:

•  October 9: 8:30am-3:30pm
•  October 23: 8:30am-12:30pm
•  November 6: 8:30am-12:30pm
•  November 20: 8:30am-1:30pm

Location: Athens

For more information:
UGA SBDC in Athens
Call: 706-542-7436
Email: sjohnson@georgiasbdc.org

MODULE 1: STRATEGIC PLANNING

Do you have a strategic growth planning process? Learn a core framework on how to plan and execute for strategic growth.

Learning elements include:

• Compliance considerations: Doing business in Georgia generally.
• Business model analysis.
• Strategic planning process and execution.
• Identifying your support/execution team.

MODULE 2: THE OPPORTUNITY LANDSCAPE, CERTIFICATIONS, & TEAMING

What is your Go-to-Market strategy?

Learning elements include:

• Govt. and corporate procurement: identifying opportunities and navigating typical processes.
• Leveraging small business certifications like MBE, WBE, WOSB, DBE, SDB, etc.
• Why teaming makes sense in B2B or B2G.

MODULE 3: MARKET POSITIONING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Framing your value proposition for the government or corporate buyer.

Learning elements include:

• Strategic marketing to large procurement organizations: business development and networking.
• Effective capability statements and pitching.
• Critical digital marketing approaches.

MODULE 4: FINANCIAL READINESS & CASH FLOW

Critical considerations for financial stability needed to acquire and maintain larger contracts and commercial accounts. Insights to best practices in cash flow management strategies.

Learning elements include:

• Review core financial and accounting concepts.
• Cash flow management strategies for B2B and B2G.
• Financing strategies and access to capital.

MODULE 5: OPERATING A BUSINESS “BUILT TO SCALE”

Are you building the core business infrastructure
(team, systems, etc.) to consistently deliver your value proposition as you scale-up?

Learning elements include:

• Strategic considerations in organizational structure and staffing, vendor selection and management, technology for management/control systems.
• Continuous improvement and innovation.
• Maintaining quality at scale.

GRADUATION!

All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.