A Quick Reference for Common Terms

So we are on the same page, here are some common terms …

• Bid (Invitation for Bid – IFB) – A formal offer submitted in response to a solicitation where (best) price is the main factor in choosing the winner.
• Certification – Official recognition that a business meets specific eligibility requirements, such as being a small, minority-, women-, veteran-, or disability-owned business.
• Contract – A legally binding agreement between a vendor and a government agency or corporation for goods or services.
• Evaluation Criteria – The factors used to review bids or proposals, such as price, experience, technical ability, and past performance.
• Industry Codes – Different organizations use different sets of codes. The most common ones are the SIC (Standard Industrial Classification), NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), and UNSPSC (United Nations suppliers use the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code) codes.
• Mentorship Program – A program that connects experienced businesses or professionals with small businesses to provide guidance, training, and support.
• Procurement – The process public agencies and organizations use to buy goods and services, including planning, bidding, and contract management.
• Proposal (Request for Proposal – RFP) – A response to a solicitation where factors beyond price—such as approach, qualifications, and experience—are considered.
• Request for Qualifications (RFQ) – A solicitation used to evaluate experience and capabilities, often before pricing is requested.
• Registered Vendor (or Supplier) – A business that has completed the required registration process in a procurement system and is eligible to receive solicitations.
• Set-Aside – A procurement that is limited to certain eligible businesses, such as small businesses or certified diverse businesses, to encourage participation.
• Small Business – A business that meets size standards defined by the applicable program or agency.
• Solicitation – An official request issued by an agency inviting businesses to submit bids or proposals for goods or services.
• Subcontracting – Working under another company that holds a contract instead of contracting directly with the state yourself.
• Vendor (or Supplier) – A business or individual that sells goods or services to a government agency or corporation.

2. Are You Ready?

Understand whether your business is prepared to compete for contracts

It is about being ready, willing and able!

Procurement often requires more structure than traditional sales, including clear registration, organized finances, and the capacity to deliver consistently.

Start by asking yourself a few key questions: 

• Is your business structure clearly defined and registered with all required state and/or federal entities? 
• Do you know who you want to sell to? 

-> Government—local, state, federal

-> Regional authorities

-> Private/corporate buyers

• Are your financial records, tax filings, and banking relationships organized and up to date? 
• Do you have a track record of past performance—clients, projects, or references that show reliability? 

Answering these questions honestly will help you spot gaps and plan the next steps toward procurement readiness. 

Important note: Many federal agencies prefer working with businesses that have been operating at least 3 years and can demonstrate consistent performance. If your business is brand new, consider focusing on subcontracting or working with private-sector contracts first to build experience and credibility. See information in Section 8 on Teaming and Joint Ventures!

📌Smart Tip: Want a deeper self-assessment? Explore the Are You Procurement Ready guide. 

Why Your Value Proposition and Niche Matter

Once you understand your readiness, the next step is defining what makes your business standout. In procurement, buyers are looking for suppliers who clearly understand their strengths and can deliver specific solutions.

Your value proposition explains why your business is a good fit—whether that’s specialized expertise, certifications, local presence, fast turnaround, or unique services. Pairing this with a clear niche helps you focus your marketing, target the right opportunities, and build trust with procurement officers.

Clarity around your value and niche strengthens your bids and positions your business as a reliable, strategic partner—not just another vendor. A strong value proposition tells buyers why they should choose you over competitors.

Consider your company’s strengths, certifications, and specialized expertise. Focusing on a specific niche—whether it’s eco-friendly packaging, bilingual customer service, or rapid turnaround—helps you target the right buyers and contracts more effectively. This clarity not only strengthens your bids but also builds credibility and trust with procurement officers looking for reliable suppliers.

Checklist

• Confirm my business structure and complete required registrations
• Research target markets (local, state, regional, federal, private)
• Organize financial records and tax documents

A. Local and Regional Procurement

Local and regional entities manage their own purchasing processes. This includes:

• Counties
• Cities
• School districts
• Utility districts
• Transportation authorities 

Each organization typically uses its own vendor registration or bidding portal. This is why it important to determine who you want to do business with, or you could spend a lot of time registering and signing up for portals that do apply to you.

Examples may include larger municipalities such as Metro Nashville–Davidson County, or the Cities of Chattanooga, Knoxville, or Memphis.

B. State Government Procurement

State government in a great way to start in the procurement arena, especially with sub-contracting. Sub-contracting is when you have a contract to perform work under another company who working directly with a state. This means you get some experience working in that space, building experience and understanding how the process works. Some businesses prefer to stay in that space, and others decide to bid on the full state contract. Both have their pros and cons. Each state has its own rules and registration processes. Some areas may have reciprocity and those are often with organizations that are quasi-federal/quais-state agencies like an airport authority of a department of transportation agency.

In general state government agencies and commissions purchase a wide range of goods and services through both centralized and agency-specific systems. 

Common elements for Tennessee State Government procurement include:

• The Edison Suppler Portal 
• Statewide term contracts for frequently purchased goods and services

• Agency-specific solicitations for specialized needs
• The GO-BID Certification for eligible small businesses

Registration portals:

To be considered for contracts, your business must be registered in the right portals. The Edison Supplier Portal is Tennessee’s central online system where vendors:

• Register and maintain business profiles
• Receive notifications about solicitations
• Submit bids and proposals

GO-BID helps connect eligible small businesses with contracting opportunities across state government. GO-BID works closely with the APEX Accelerator and TN Small Business Development Centers (TSBDCs) to provide one-on-one support with certification, bid preparation, and connecting with procurement officials.

📌 Smart Tip: Sometimes a business you work with may ask for a certification and if they do not specify which certification, the GO-BID certification may be a good place to start

Checklist

• Determine if state contracting is a good fit for my business
• Determine if my business is eligible for the GO-BID certification

C. Federal Government Procurement

Federal agencies award billions of dollars in contracts each year. Federal procurement can open big doors, but it is more structured and rule-heavy than most state or local contracting.

In general, federal agencies buy a wide range of goods and services through standardized systems and formal solicitation processes.

Common elements in federal procurement include:

• Small business eligibility and programs (including federal set-asides and SBA programs)
• UEI (Unique Entity ID) (used across federal systems; you receive this through SAM)
• SAM.gov registration (required for most federal contracting)
• Finding opportunities on SAM.gov and agency procurement sites
• Research tools (such as USAspending.gov) to understand what agencies buy and who wins awards
• More detailed proposal rules (instructions, compliance requirements, and deadlines matter a lot)

📌 Smart Tip: Consider building experience through local or state opportunities or subcontracting before pursuing federal prime contracts. That experience helps you learn the process and strengthens future bids.

D. Private Sector and Corporate Procurement

Who this pathway is for:
Businesses seeking opportunities with corporations that prioritize supplier diversity.

Common private-sector certifications:

• NMSDC – Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
• WBENC – Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)
• NGLCC – LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
• Disability:IN – Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)

What you’ll need:

• Proof of ownership and control
• Business and tax documentation
• Certification application and verification review

How to get started:

1. Apply through the certification organization’s website.
2. Complete verification or site visit requirements.
3. Register with corporate supplier diversity portals and upload certifications.

Why it matters:

• Visibility to corporate buyers
• Access to supplier diversity programs
• Opportunities for long-term partnerships and repeat contracts

3. Understanding the Procurement Landscape

How different buyers purchase goods and services

Local, regional, state, and federal government agencies, corporations, etc. … When it comes to contracting, it is not one size fits all! It is best to think of them as separate businesses that have their own rules, portals, needs, and priorities.

Understanding how different buyers operate—and where they post opportunities—helps you decide where to focus your time and how to prepare.

Need More Help?

• Visit the official registration certification websites to review eligibility and required documents.
• Work with a Tennessee APEX Accelerator or an Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselor for guidance with applications and strategy.

📌 Smart Tip: Keep in mind that procurement and contracting is a relationship business – buyers talk to one another across sectors.

Checklist

• Identify which buyers align with my products or services (local, state, federal, corporate)
• Decide where to focus first based on readiness and capacity
• Research supplier/vendor registration requirements for each target buyer
• Register in the appropriate procurement portals (local portals, Edison, SAM, corporate portals)
• Confirm my business profile is complete and accurate in each system
  Identify support resources (APEX Accelerators, SBDCs) if assistance is needed

4. Certification as a Strategic Tool

Use certifications to increase credibility, visibility, and access to targeted contract opportunities

Why Certifications Matter

Certifications and registrations can help your business stand out and gain access to contract opportunities that may not be available otherwise.

Many state and federal agencies reserve a portion of their contracts for certified businesses. Once certified, your business may qualify to compete for these targeted opportunities—helping you reach new buyers and new markets.

Corporations also use certifications to identify diverse suppliers. These connections can lead to long-term partnerships, repeat contracts, and more stable growth over time.

Each certification program has its own eligibility rules, application steps, and documentation requirements. The key is to be strategic.

📌 Smart Tip:
There are many certifications and registrations available, and applying for all of them can take a lot of time. Focus on certifications that align with your business goals, target customers, and marketing plan. Ask for help.

Checklist

You can track your progress in this guide by joining the Procurement & Certification – Access to Markets pathway on the home page!Determine which certifications strengthen my competitivenessVerify that I meet eligibility requirements before applying

State Certifications and Registrations

Who this pathway is for:
Eligible businesses that want to compete in State procurement and contracting activities. GO-BID is the State of Tennessee’s certification agency. Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has a Small Business Development Program (SBE) that is specific to TDOT due to its source of funding–the federal government, so it is a distinct process from GO-BID.

-> Key certifications:

• Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
• Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE)
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
• Woman Business Enterprise (WBE)
• Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise (DSBE)

-> What you’ll need:

• Tennessee business registration
• Ownership and control documentation
• W-9 and basic business information
• Edison Supplier Registration and Number (website)

-> How to get started:

1. Verify your business is eligible for one of the certifications
2. Create or update your Edison Vendor Portal profile.
3. Apply for GO-BID certification
4. Add your codes. Edison uses UNSPSC codes
5. Add certifications to your profile.

📌 Smart Tip: If you already have a certification from another entity, please check the section on “Reciprocity” on the GO-BID website first.

-> Why it matters:

• Visibility in Tennessee’s vendor public database
• Eligibility to compete for state contract opportunities
• Access to networking and training events

-> What about doing business with other states?

Expanding to new markets is a good idea! Each state will have its own process. Start by searching for, “doing business with the state of X.”

Federal Certifications and Registrations

Who this pathway is for:
Businesses interested in selling to federal agencies especially eligible businesses seeking to access set-aside or sole-source contracting opportunities.

-> Key certifications:

• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB)
• Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB/SDVOSB)
• HUBZone Program
• 8(a) Business Development Program

What you’ll need:

• Unique Entity ID (UEI)
• NAICS codes
• Proof of ownership, size, and eligibility
• Supporting business and financial documents
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration

-> How to get started:

1. Register your business in SAM. SAM registration is required to do business with the federal government
2. Apply for SBA certifications through MySBA Certifications.
3. Upload required documentation and track approval status.

-> Why it matters:

• Eligibility for federal contracts
• Access to set-aside and sole-source opportunities
• Federal training, mentoring, and business development support

-> What about doing business in other countries?

Expanding to new markets can be a good idea! Each country and its respective state or provinces will have its own process. It is a good idea to start local then expand once your business is ready. Organizations like the U.S. Commercial Service and Export Assistance Centers are great resources when you are ready to start exporting your goods or services.

Private and Corporate Registrations

Who this pathway is for:
Businesses interested in working with private corporations that prioritize supplier diversity, where certifications are often fee-based.

These certifications are widely recognized by corporations, typically require a fee, and are commonly used in private-sector supplier diversity programs.

Some city, state, or quasi-government agencies (such as ports or airports) also issue certifications that may be recognized by corporate buyers, even if they are not national. Most businesses only need one primary private-sector certification.

Common private-sector certifications:

• Disability:IN (National)
  Provides Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) certification for businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.
• Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (Regional)
  MMBC Continuum serves the Mississippi Delta and Mid-South region, providing certification for minority- and women-owned businesses.
• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (National)
  NGLCC provides certification for LGBTQ-owned businesses.
• National Minority Supplier Development Council (National)
  NMSDC provides certification for minority-owned businesses. The TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (Regional) – TN, KY, WV) is a regional affiliate of NMSDC.
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (National)
  WBEC provides certification for women-owned businesses.
  

Other Notable Supplier Diversity Certifications Often Recognized

Best for businesses targeting corporate buyers that recognize specific communities or ownership types, or that operate in niche or global markets. These certifications are not always required, but many corporations recognize them as part of supplier diversity programs.

• National Native American Supplier Council (National)
  NNASC provides certification for Native-owned businesses and supports access to federal and private-sector supplier diversity.
• NaVOBA (National)The National Veteran-Owned Business Association provides certification for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
• NVBDC (National)
  The National Veteran Business Development Council provides nationally recognized certification for veteran-owned businesses.
• WEConnect International (National / Global)
  Certifies women-owned businesses and connects them to global corporate buyers, particularly for private-sector and international opportunities.
  

-> What you’ll need:

• Proof of ownership and control
• Business and tax documentation
• Certification application and verification review

-> How to get started:

1. Apply through the certification organization’s website.
2. Complete verification or site visit requirements.
3. Register with corporate supplier diversity portals and upload certifications.

-> Why it matters:

• Visibility to corporate buyers
• Access to supplier diversity programs
• Opportunities for long-term partnerships and repeat contracts

📌 Smart Tips: Before applying for any fee-based certification, it is a good idea to confirm that the certification is recognized by the buyers you want to work with and that the benefits outweigh the cost.

Federal Certifications and Registrations

Who this pathway is for:
Businesses interested in selling to federal agencies especially eligible businesses seeking to access set-aside or sole-source contracting opportunities.

Key certifications:

• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB)
• Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB/SDVOSB)
• HUBZone Program
• 8(a) Business Development Program

What you’ll need:

• Unique Entity ID (UEI)
• NAICS codes
• Proof of ownership, size, and eligibility
• Supporting business and financial documents
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration

How to get started:

1. Register your business in SAM. SAM registration is required to do business with the federal government
2. Apply for SBA certifications through MySBA Certifications.
3. Upload required documentation and track approval status.

-> Why it matters:

• Eligibility for federal contracts
• Access to set-aside and sole-source opportunities
• Federal training, mentoring, and business development support

-> What about doing business in other countries?

Expanding to new markets can be a good idea! Each country and its respective state or provinces will have its own process. It is a good idea to start local then expand once your business is ready. Organizations like the U.S. Commercial Service and Export Assistance Centers are great resources when you are ready to start exporting your goods or services.

Private and Corporate Registrations

Who this pathway is for:
Businesses interested in working with private corporations that prioritize supplier diversity, where certifications are often fee-based.

These certifications are widely recognized by corporations, typically require a fee, and are commonly used in private-sector supplier diversity programs.

Some city, state, or quasi-government agencies (such as ports or airports) also issue certifications that may be recognized by corporate buyers, even if they are not national. Most businesses only need one primary private-sector certification.

Common private-sector certifications:

• Disability:IN (National)
  Provides Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) certification for businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.
• Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (Regional)
  MMBC Continuum serves the Mississippi Delta and Mid-South region, providing certification for minority- and women-owned businesses.
• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (National)
  NGLCC provides certification for LGBTQ-owned businesses.
• National Minority Supplier Development Council (National)
  NMSDC provides certification for minority-owned businesses. The TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (Regional) – TN, KY, WV) is a regional affiliate of NMSDC.
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (National)
  WBEC provides certification for women-owned businesses.
  

Other Notable Supplier Diversity Certifications Often Recognized

Best for businesses targeting corporate buyers that recognize specific communities or ownership types, or that operate in niche or global markets. These certifications are not always required, but many corporations recognize them as part of supplier diversity programs.

• National Native American Supplier Council (National)
  NNASC provides certification for Native-owned businesses and supports access to federal and private-sector supplier diversity.
• NaVOBA (National)The National Veteran-Owned Business Association provides certification for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
• NVBDC (National)
  The National Veteran Business Development Council provides nationally recognized certification for veteran-owned businesses.
• WEConnect International (National / Global)
  Certifies women-owned businesses and connects them to global corporate buyers, particularly for private-sector and international opportunities.
  

-> What you’ll need:

• Proof of ownership and control
• Business and tax documentation
• Certification application and verification review

-> How to get started:

1. Apply through the certification organization’s website.
2. Complete verification or site visit requirements.
3. Register with corporate supplier diversity portals and upload certifications.

-> Why it matters:

• Visibility to corporate buyers
• Access to supplier diversity programs
• Opportunities for long-term partnerships and repeat contracts

📌 Smart Tips: Before applying for any fee-based certification, it is a good idea to confirm that the certification is recognized by the buyers you want to work with and that the benefits outweigh the cost.

5. Building Your Procurement Toolkit

Capability Statements and Elevator Pitches

Capability statements and elevator pitches

A strong capability statement is one of the most important marketing tools for procurement. It is a one-page document that clearly explains what your business does and why buyers should consider you. Procurement officers and supplier diversity managers often review capability statements to quickly decide whether a business may be a good fit for upcoming opportunities.

Your capability statement should include:

• Business name
• Contact name(s) and information
• Core services or products
• Relevant codes (SIC, NAICS, UNSPSC, etc.)
• Relevant experience or past performance
• Certifications (if applicable)
• What sets your business apart

In addition to written materials, prepare a short elevator pitch. This is a 30-second introduction you can use at networking events or procurement meetings. Your pitch should briefly explain your value, strengths, and readiness to work with buyers.

👉 Learn more by visiting the “Capability Statements & Elevator Pitches” guide. 

Understanding Your Codes

Before registering in most procurement systems, you will need to identify your business’s industry codes. These codes describe the type of work your business performs, and many businesses have more than one.

The most common industry codes are:

• NAICS (North American Industry Classification System)
• SIC (Standard Industrial Classification)
• UNSPSC (United Nations suppliers use the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code)

Start by identifying your top three codes, listed in order of importance. These codes will be used across registrations, certifications, and buyer searches.

Registrations

You will use these codes to register in the various portals. The federal government requires that you register in SAM. SAM requires you to obtain a UEI (Unique Entity ID). The State of Tennessee requires vendor/supplier to register in Edison.

📌 Smart Tip:

Start with the registrations that match your current goals. It’s easy to spend time registering everywhere—but marketing, networking, and bidding are just as important. Focus where you’re most ready to compete.

Checklist

• Verify my top three relevant codes
• Create (update) my one-page capability statement
• Write and practice a 30-second elevator pitch

6. Marketing to Buyers

Marketing is important for every business.

When you sell to government or large corporate buyers, the process is more structured—so knowing the rules and where to look helps you stand out.

Understanding who buys what you offer is key to winning contracts. Start with market research to identify the agencies or companies that regularly purchase goods or services like yours.

Next, clarify whether your work is typically purchased through commodity contracts (goods/products) or service contracts (labor, consulting, technical work). This helps you target the right solicitations and tailor your approach.

📌 Smart Tip: Did you know you that on many public contracts, you can view them to see how they presented their work (? This gives you a way to review how the companies that received contracts

Checklist

• Confirm what I sell (goods, services, or both).
• Write my buyer search keywords (5–10 terms).
• Pick where I’ll look for opportunities (the best 2–3 sources for my goals).
• Build a short target buyer list (name, what they buy, link, next step).
• Check a past award or buying pattern to confirm fit.Prepare a simple outreach packet (capability statement + 2–3 differentiators + past performance).
• Do one action this month: attend an event or make two outreach touchpoints (track follow-ups).

A. Identify who buys what you sell

Winning contracts starts with targeting the right buyers.

Begin by identifying agencies, departments, or companies that regularly purchase what you offer—then focus your energy where there’s a clear match.

It also helps to know how buyers typically categorize your work:

• Commodity contracts usually cover goods and products
• Service contracts cover labor, consulting, technical work, and expertise

Knowing where you fit helps you search smarter, tailor your messaging, and pursue the right opportunities.

B. Use the right portals and buyer channels

Use these tools to research opportunities, register as a vendor, and understand buying patterns:

State Government: Tennessee
Visit the GO-BID Portal or the Edison Supplier page to view opportunities without registering.

Note: Other states have similar practices ad agencies. Check websites for requirements.

Special-purpose public entities and quasi-governmental organizations (TDOT, airports, authorities, some utilities, etc.)

Some organizations have public funding, public mandates, or specialized procurement rules—so it’s worth checking their websites and following the exact instructions for each opportunity.

TDOT: The TDOT Small Business Development Program supports small businesses in the highway and bridge construction industry. TDOT posts opportunities through Bid Lettings and other solicitations (including consultant ads).

Airports/authorities and similar entities: Procurement rules can differ from typical State purchasing and may resemble federal-style processes depending on funding and requirements.

Note: Some entities (including certain airport authorities and public utilities) may use processes that feel closer to federal contracting—always follow the communication and submission instructions in each solicitation.

Federal Government
Use USAspending.gov to research past awards and SAM.gov Opportunities Search to find open opportunities.

Corporate buyers
Check supplier diversity or “become a supplier” pages to learn what they buy, how to register, and who to contact. Many large corporations (utilities, manufacturers, healthcare systems) publish clear supplier steps.

📌 Smart Tip: Start a simple “target buyer list.” Track: who buys, what they buy, contract type, links, contacts, and your next action.

C. Do outreach that builds trust over time

Procurement is about relationships and readiness. Once you identify a fit, build visibility in ways buyers recognize and respect:

• Attend industry days, procurement fairs, and matchmaking events
• Follow up with a short thank-you and a clear “next step”
• Share updates occasionally (new certification, new capability, past performance)

Joining industry associations or local chambers can also help you stay aware of upcoming needs and contract trends.

📌 Smart Tip: When a solicitation is open, many agencies restrict buyer contact—follow the communication rules in the posting and use the official Q&A process when required.

7. Learning, Mentorship & Strategic Partnerships

Learn faster and compete for larger contracts by teaming with others

Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration 

Partnerships can help you grow faster in contracting—especially when a contract is larger than you can handle alone. Working with the right partner can increase your capacity, strengthen your proposal, and build your past performance.

• Mentorship programs (mentor-protégé)
  Mentor-protégé programs pair an experienced contractor (mentor) with a small business (protégé). Mentors may offer guidance on bidding, compliance, pricing, and project delivery—and may help you pursue new opportunities. Examples include the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Mentor-Protégé Program.
• Joint ventures and teaming agreements
  You can also team with another business to go after bigger contracts. Joint ventures and teaming agreements let you combine skills, share resources, and meet contract requirements together. They can also help you build credibility and past performance.

📌 Smart Tip: For more details, see the guide: Increasing Competitiveness: Mentor-Protégés, JVs, & Teaming

Checklist

• Choose one path to explore: mentorship, teaming, or a joint ventureIdentify 2–3 potential partners (companies that complement your skills or capacity)
• Take one next step: attend a matchmaking event, request an intro, or apply to a mentor-protégé program

8. Next Steps and Ongoing Support

Stay visible, stay ready, and keep improving after every bid or contract

Stay Aware of Opportunities 

Register for bid notifications on: 

You can also follow newsletters, mailing lists, and alert systems from agencies, buyers, and support organizations.

Deliver strong performance
Once you win a contract, focus on meeting the requirements—on time and in full. Strong performance builds trust and makes it easier to win future work.

Evaluate and improve over time
Make contracting part of your routine:

• Review certifications each year (reciprocity may apply)
• Look for mentorship or accelerator programs
• Attend industry days, workshops, conferences, and matchmaking events
• Re-check your capacity after each contract cycle
• Confirm bonding, insurance, and staffing needs as you grow

📌 Smart Tip: Contracting is a relationship business. Ask for help early—from mentors, peers, and support organizations. It can save time and prevent costly mistakes.

Checklist

• Stay registered for notifications so I remain aware of new opportunities
• Set a recurring “readiness check” every 6–12 months (capacity, pricing, staffing, and systems).
• Confirm bonding and insurance needs for the types of contracts I am pursuing
• Review whether I should renew or add certifications, programs, or mentorship support at least once per year
• After each bid or contract, write 2–3 lessons learned and one improvement for next time