Are you ready to start your small business’ recovery after the shutdowns?
Small and mid-sized businesses alike have been under an incredible strain over the last few months. COVID-19 has tested (and continues to test) entrepreneurs like nothing else in decades. But there is some good news for minority and women-owned businesses in Massachusetts looking for a chance to rebuild and grow.
As MA enters into the next phase of its reopening, small business owners are looking to connect with new sources of revenues. Entrepreneurs might worry about starting a new project in this uncertain environment when another shutdown could come unexpectedly. But you know what remained open during the shutdown, bringing in revenue to MWBEs? Government agencies.
Not only do government contracts provide small businesses with a reliable source of income, but they also drive growth. Statistics show that when a small business receives a government contract, they grow an average of 150% annually. It’s also well documented that this has a direct impact on their community, as those small businesses will be spending and hiring locally.
Many minority and women business owners out there are already familiar with the promise and opportunities that government contracts can provide. However, they also know just how arduous and time-consuming the process to land them can be. If you aren’t well-versed in the details, landing a government project can seem overwhelming. That is why Jean Kristensen Associates is so excited to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to provide Disadvantaged Business Enterprises with support services across the state.
Here is a brief overview of how this MassDOT program is going to work:
- First, we’re going to start with a new DBE orientation. The format of this orientation will be a series of 90-minute webinars and workshops designed to help local DBEs in MA connect with opportunities.
- Next, we’ll begin reviewing the basic requirements for doing business in MA and show you the process for identifying opportunities earmarked for DBE firms.
- After this, we’ll provide an overview of the process for bidding on projects and preparing to work.
- Finally, we’ll share information and resources on how to successfully complete a MassDOT project by connecting DBEs to resources and support services.
I want to encourage anyone who is certified as a disadvantaged business to take a close look at this opportunity. In my experience, I have found that many get their DBE certification, but they aren’t clear on how to leverage it to grow their business effectively.
But once they’ve learned the steps they need to take to land government contracts and take advantage of these resources, they can sustainably grow their business, even in these tough times of COVID-19.
If you’re interested in learning more, I highly suggest you sign up for the first Leverage Your DBE Certification webinar. We will be holding it on Thursday, July 16th, from 10 AM to 11:30 PM. All you need to do is register, and we’ll send you the link to attend.
And remember, this and all followup webinars in this MassDOT series will be free, so take advantage by signing up immediately! I can’t wait to help you finally take full advantage of your DBE certification!
