Grow Your Business

The SBDC can help you grow your business through one-to-one sessions focused on your individual needs such as:

• Strategic planning
• Expansion feasibility/advice
• Financial analysis, including cashflow
• Access to capital sources
• Market Research Resources/Marketing Strategy

See our contact page to make an appointment. 

In addition, the SBDC can help you to expand your markets.  Click the links below for resources and assistance in the following areas:

• Export Trade Resources  -  http://www.exportvirginia.org | http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/managing-business/exporting-importing
• Government Contracting – The SBDC can assist you in all aspects of doing business with the government.  Start with the links below and contact the SBDC for more information.
  
  Services of the SBDC are confidential and free of charge.  Contact us for an appointment.
  
  • Virginia State Contracting
    • SWaM Certification and eVA registration – http://www.dmbe.virginia.gov
    • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
    • VA Megaprojects Information – http://www.vamegaprojects.com

  • Federal Government Contracting

    • System for Award Management (SAM) - http://www.SAM.gov (replaced Central Contractor Registry)
    • SBA Document – Twelve Steps to Success in Contracting With the Federal Government
    • SBA – Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Procurement
    • 8(a) Business Development Program for Small Disadvantaged Businesses - http://www.sba.gov/8a
    • 8(m) – New SBA Women-Owned Small Business Program - http://www.sba.gov/wosb
    • GSA Schedule Information

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING ARTICLES
The following have been contributed by our federal business development consultant, John Boulware.

A BETTER WAY TO FIND YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE [Source: http://www.captureplanning.com (Article Library)]
Feb 10 2013 10:57 AM | Carl Dickson

When most people think about what their competitive advantages might be, they tend to focus on themselves. They ask questions like “What do we do better?” and “How can we exceed the requirements?” But they are missing a much better way to find their competitive advantages.

A competitive advantage is something that will make it more likely the customer will pick you over your competitors.  The best way to find a competitive advantage is to discover your customer’s preferences. When the customer follows a formal evaluation process, the best way to find a competitive advantage is to influence the criteria used during the evaluation in your favor. When the customer will award to the lowest price technically acceptable offer, the best way to find a competitive advantage is to discover exactly what they mean by technically acceptable.

THE FULL ARTICLE FOLLOWS AT https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7CpTWSLcXKCZE5VUlJCN1ZORnM/edit


There are several ways small businesses can effectively compete with larger competitors in the Federal market.

Most small businesses usually can’t afford specialized, high-priced resources and can be easily intimidated by their much larger competitors. Be more successful by using the typical small business strengths against the typical large business weaknesses.

THE FULL ARTICLE FOLLOWS AT https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7CpTWSLcXKCb0Z4NU9USWZvY1k/edit