|
In today’s world of online communication and training, you might find a need for personal
influence and input from other businesses that are like you, fighting for a share
of the marketplace.
The term "cohort" refers to a group of individuals who have something in common. The
Small Business Administration, with assistance from the Arkansas Procurement Assistance
Center (APAC), and the Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center (ASBTDC),
are hosting an open monthly forum in Northwest Arkansas. Attendees will be among other
small businesses also interested in utilizing the field of government contracting
for business growth.
These sessions will provide training and networking opportunities for area small businesses.
There is no cost to attend and each class will have a new topic each month to discuss
relating to current issues that companies are facing.
If you are interested in attending the February class in Bentonville, you may sign up online, email Jeff Salzer at jeffrey.salzer@sba.gov, or call 501-551-2694.
The monthly schedule, including topics, is below. Class meets the fourth Thursday
of the month from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Northwest Arkansas Community College Shewmaker Global Business Development Center.
The Small Business Administration and APAC are in talks to host a similar cohort in
Central Arkansas. More details will be released in the coming months.
|
Date
|
Topic
|
Description
|
|
Thursday, February 22, 2018
|
Certification Programs
|
We will cover the various federal certification programs including the 8(a) Business
Development program, HUBZone program, Service Disabled Veteran Small Business Certification
and Women Owned Small Business Certification.
|
|
Thursday, March 22, 2018
|
Insights from The Contracting Officer and Contractors Perspective
|
What does the contracting office really look for? How can a firm be successful in
federal contracting? You’ll hear from a contracting officer and see the process from
their perspective. You’ll also meet and hear from a firm that has been successful
in growing their business through the 8(a) Business Development Program.
|
|
Thursday, April 26, 2018
|
Sub-Contracting opportunities
|
Prime contracting is only part of the equation. You can grow your business and contracting
acumen by subcontracting. You’ll meet one of the largest prime contractors in the
state and hear directly from them how you should approach subcontracting opportunities.
|
|
Thursday, May 24, 2018
|
The Bidding Process
|
We will break down the bidding process step by step. What to look for, how to find
it and how to respond. Bring a solicitation that you’ve identified that you want
to bid because by the end of this session you’ll be well on your way to responding
to the solicitation.
|
|
Thursday, June 28, 2018
|
Marketing and Capabilities Statements
|
Marketing your firm is crucial in every market. You capabilities statement is a huge
part of your marketing in the federal arena. We’ll work with you to refine your marketing
and capabilities statements during this hands on session.
|
|
Thursday, July 26, 2018
|
Bid and Capture Management Tools
|
Tracking opportunities and where you are at in the bidding process can be a daunting
task.
|
|
Thursday, August 23, 2018
|
Mentor Protégé , Joint Ventures and Teaming Agreements
|
Working contracts alone is just one part of the puzzle. Teaming, Joint ventures and
identifying a Mentor for the Mentor Protégé program can make all the difference in
the world when it comes to being successful. We will cover each of these tools and
work towards identifying potential Mentors for your business.
|
|
Thursday, September 20, 2018
|
State, County and Local Contracting
|
There are opportunities to grow here locally as well. State, county and local contracting
can be part of your diversification strategy. You’ll learn about some of the state
goaling programs and meet with local and county buyers/contracting officers.
|
|
Thursday, October 25, 2018
|
Final Presentations
|
You’ve completed 10 sessions and have learned a lot. Today you’ll share what you
have gotten out of the program and how you have grown your business. You’ll present
you capabilities statement and company overview to a panel of contracting officers
and prime contractors.
|
|
|
