![Businessman and Farmer Businessman and farmer shaking hands](https://launchnetworkla.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20.-Selling-to-Big-Business-1024x682.jpg)
Selling to the Government
Government agencies and large corporations buy the same types of things most businesses do; professional services, supplies, landscaping services, and so on. Selling to government agencies can be tricky though, and that’s where Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) come in to play. PTAC offices provide small businesses throughout the region with assistance in submitting and understanding bidding opportunities and contracts. Oftentimes, they also support businesses in gaining certifications for businesses owned by women, veterans, and minorities.
Becoming Certified
Certification programs can help you market your business to both large business and governments. Many large corporations and governmental entities set aside a percentage of their purchasing contracts for small businesses, minority, and/or women owned businesses. Becoming certified as one or more of these types of businesses enables a company to bid on specific contracting opportunities. MWBE.com offers a Description of Certification.
Most government entities will require a company to at least go through a streamlined or shortened verification process that is specific to that agency. Certification can take from 30-90 days.
Find assistance in procurement and certification by searching the Resource Navigator, or you can contact your local PTAC office, listed below.
Northwest Louisiana PTAC– Serving Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Desoto, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Webster Parishes. https://nwlaptac.org
LaPTAC- Serving the remaining 54 parishes in Louisiana. https://la-ptac.org.