Session covering 8(a) Eligibility for Certification and to cover steps a firm must take BEFORE applying for 8(a) Certification; how to meet Potential for Success for 8(a) program (understand your firm’s financials – do you have sufficient working capital?); and business development strategies a firm ought to employ to get READY for the program. Will cover general needs for federal government contracting including effective capability statements, capture management, market research, and effective networking at federal contracting events (Should I call, email, or attend events in person? When should I travel to events outside my state, etc.) The purpose of this event is to recruit new applicants for the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. Each year the federal government's goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses. If accepted into the SBA's 8(a) program, these social and economically disadvantaged businesses will receive nine years of business development assistance and will also be able to compete for federal contracting dollars by selling their goods and services to the federal government. The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program, to help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Small businesses that meet SBA’s size standards and are considered small within their industry – including but not limited to veteran-owned, woman-owned and minority owned. Types of businesses: construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, finance and insurance, professional, scientific, technical, administrative and support, educational, healthcare and social assistance, and other services. ***This is a FREE seminar open to the public, but pre-registration is required. ***
Speaker(s): Eric W. Ruffin President/CEO of Ruffin Consulting, PC.
Co-Sponsor(s): KOSBE, Kingsport Chamber, TSBDC at ETSU Johnson City Center, U.S. Small Business Administration
The cooperative agreement between KOSBE and East Tennessee State University is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state of Tennessee. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Caroline Jones - 423.392.8825; cjones@tsbdc.org; 400 Clinchfield Street, Suite 100, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660.
Fee: No Cost