Government contracting summit helps small businesses get mission-ready

An upcoming summit will help small and veteran-owned businesses navigate the complex world of government procurement so they can better access and secure contracts at city, state, and federal levels.

It’s all part of the Mission-Ready Small Business Contracting Summit, which the City of Fort Worth is hosting in partnership with Shoppa’s Material Handling and the Lone Star Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association.

The free event, which will be held in the Council Chambers at Fort Worth City Hall, will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, and is open to small business owners and veteran-owned businesses.

Registration is required to attend.

Participants will hear from a panel of industry experts who will provide practical guidance on:

Procurement systems and how they work

Different ways to find and pursue contracting opportunities with different agencies

Certifications needed to participate in government contracting opportunities, and how to obtain them

How to connect with prime subcontractors and government agencies

Tips on how to submit strong, competitive bids for projects

The event will also include a presentation from Ashley Farrier, Director of the Office of Small Business Programs at U.S. Special Operations Command.

Helping small businesses grow

The Mission-Ready Small Business Contracting Summit is an initiative of the City of Fort Worth’s Small Business Development Program, and combines several of its focus areas into a single event.

“Our team continues to champion Fort Worth’s small and veteran‑owned businesses, helping them connect with opportunities to grow. This year, we’ve also made small‑business contracting opportunities a major priority,” said Ori Fernandez, Assistant Director of the City’s Economic Development Department.

“Governments are always looking to purchase a wide range of products and services, and their contracts are often long-term, which is great for small businesses looking to expand – and they can also open doors to other partnerships down the road.”

But government contracts are also competitive, which is why the City and its partners are thinking outside the box by offering guidance on required certifications and other tips to help small businesses position themselves for success.

The City of Fort Worth has been working to engage more small and veteran-owned businesses in its own procurement efforts, including working alongside local agencies to encourage small businesses to obtain a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification as the first step in the process.

Quarterly SBE Certification Workshops are available for interested small businesses, with classes coming up on Wednesday, Aug. 19, that will be presented in both English and in Spanish.

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