Office of Small Business and DVBE Services

The Office of Small Business and DVBE Services had the pleasure of attending the "2024 Caltrans North Region Procurement Fair" hosted by Caltrans District 1, Caltrans District 2 and Caltrans District 3 at the California Department of General Services headquarters in West Sacramento.? Held in-person for the first time since 2019, the event brought together a dynamic community of vendors, contractors, and state agencies to discuss sourcing, purchasing, and upcoming bid opportunities. And suppliers who attended were given a 90-day priority purchasing preference giving those who participated in the in-person event a competitive edge in securing contracts! It was a fantastic opportunity for #SmallBusinesses and #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise firms to strengthen relationships and access new opportunities in the government contracting. This year’s Procurement Fair was an invaluable opportunity to network with key stakeholders such as Caltrans, Department of General Services, SMUD, California High-Speed Rail Authority, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and many more, along with dozens of Northern California Prime contractors! The event also featured two insightful presentations: “Doing Business with Caltrans” and “Doing Business with the State of California” to help new businesses get started in pursuing certification. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the event a success!? #SmallBusiness #DVBE #Caltrans #ProcurementFair #StateOpportunities #Networking #DoingBusinessWithCaltrans #PublicProcurement #SmallBusinessSupport?

The Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) was proud to sponsor the “8th Annual VIB Network National Conference" hosted by our strategic partner Veterans In Business (VIB) Network. Over 400 veteran business owners from across the country gathered in beautiful San Diego to connect, collaborate, and share insights.? The conference featured engaging activities and inspiring speakers, setting the stage for an action-packed two-day event. A key moment for our OSDS team was participating in the Tactical Networking session, connecting with veteran entrepreneurs and partners from diverse industries. OSDS Branch Chief, Anda Draghici contributed to the Government Contracting Panel, offering valuable insights into contracting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses. The OSDS team also providing tailored support and guidance to veterans seeking business opportunities through the Matchmaking session. We engaged with hundreds of attendees during the exhibition, strengthening connections and answering questions about resources available for veteran entrepreneurs. The conference wrapped up with a M*A*S*H-themed awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding contributions of businesses and organizations that make VIB such a vibrant and impactful network. A huge congratulations to VIB for organizing such a powerful and successful event, and to everyone who participated. We look forward to continuing to support our veteran business community and help them thrive in the world of government contracting! #VeteranBusiness #VIB2024 #Networking #VeteranOwned #OSDS #GovernmentContracting #SmallBusinessSupport #DVBE #VeteranEntrepreneurs #VIBNationalConference?

Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) was thrilled to participate in the “2024 OneLA Procurement Fair” hosted by our strategic partner the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. This dynamic event encouraged businesses to "Get in the Game" by learning how to prepare for procurement opportunities across California. It was a great chance for #SmallBusinesses and #DVBE firms to connect with government agencies and industry leaders guiding these important initiatives.? ?? #OSDS held a panel discussion to share insights on DGS Small Business certifications, emphasizing how businesses can increase visibility, access preference programs, and position themselves effectively for future opportunities. We also participated in one-on-one matchmaking sessions, providing guidance to attendees on how to position their businesses for upcoming procurement demands.?? ?? Plus, attendees passed by our exhibit table for resources and expert advice to help them understand the steps they need to prepare for major contracting opportunities.? ?? All in all, an excellent event showcasing the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and OSDS commitment to empowering small businesses and helping them take proactive steps toward success.?? ?? #OneLAProcurementFair #SmallBusinessCertification #GovernmentContracting #GetInTheGame?

"PROCON Interactive" hosted by Small Business Diversity Network Date: Wednesday, November 20, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/ggWDqYJX "Caltrans North Region Procurement Fair" hosted by Caltrans?? Date: Wednesday, November 20, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.? Registration: https://lnkd.in/gwNMqqaW "Veteran Success: Honoring Service and Empowering Business Growth" hosted by SBDC North San Diego County Date: Thursday, November 21, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.? Registration: https://lnkd.in/gHKhPhwj "Solving the Marketing Mystery: the 5Ws - Session 1" hosted by California Department of General Services Date: Thursday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/g-i6i4cW ? #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #WednesdayWatchlist

Owners of Certified #SmallBusiness and #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise firms know that opportunities don't just land in their laps. Success in state contracting comes from perseverance, knowledge, and following best practices. One best practice is using research tools to learn of potential contracting opportunities for your certified business. The Department Spend Dashboard is a valuable no-cost resource for understanding spending budgets and purchasing needs of state departments and agencies.? This research tool can help uncover valuable insights:? ? Total Spend by Department – how much a department spends in any given fiscal year.? ? Spend by Acquisition Type – breakdown of spending by type? ? Non-IT Services? ? Non-IT Goods? ? IT Services? ? IT Goods? ? Departments and acquisition types that align with the products or services you provide? ? A clear roadmap for where to focus your marketing efforts and how to position your business for state contracting success. Key takeaway – the more you understand the spending habits of state agencies, the better you can strategically target your outreach and maximize your efforts. Take the guesswork out of the equation – explore the Department Spend Dashboard and empower your business to thrive https://lnkd.in/gVhANkVz Follow us and stay connected for more tips and support! Our “Essential Tuesday” posts offer tips, how-to, resources and advice to help #SmallBusiness and #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise firms gain an edge in state contracting. To reach OSDS call us at (916) 375-4940 or email?[email protected].?? #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting?

Join the Office of Small Business and DVBE Services, San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network, City of Oceanside and San Diego County Regional Airport Authority at the “Veteran Success: Honoring Service and Empowering Business Growth” event next Thursday, November 21 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Small business owners, veteran owned businesses and entrepreneurs are invited to connect and collaborate with resource partners, advisors and procurement professionals.?? Don’t miss this chance to: Learn practical strategies and lessons from veterans who have transitioned into entrepreneurship.? Discover how APEX Accelerators, SBA, and SBDCs support your business with resources and guidance.? Connect with government agencies, prime contractors, and resource partners to explore new business opportunities. Follow the link below for free registration and further details. We hope to see you there! https://lnkd.in/gHKhPhwj #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #DVBE #CalEProcure #Procurement #StateProcurement #StateContracting?

"Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Virtual 1" hosted by California Department of General Services ? Date: Wednesday, November 13, from 3 - 4:30 p.m.?? Date: Thursday, November 14, from 10 a.m. - noon? Date: Thursday, November 14, from 3 - 4:30 p.m.? Date: Friday, November 15, from 10 a.m. - noon? Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz? ? “8th Annual VIB Network National Conference” workshop hosted by @Veterans in Business VIB Date: Tuesday, November 13, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Wednesday, November 14, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.? Registration: https://lnkd.in/ednMjfZq? ? "Asian Business Association Orange County 2024" hosted by @Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC)?? Date: Friday, November 15, from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.? Registration: https://lnkd.in/g5Ma-nWg? ? "Caltrans North Region Procurement Fair" hosted by @Caltrans?? Date: Wednesday, November 20, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.? Registration: https://lnkd.in/gwNMqqaW? ? "Veteran Success: Honoring Service and Empowering Business Growth" hosted by @ North San Diego Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network?? Date: Thursday, November 21, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.? Registration: https://lnkd.in/gHKhPhwj? ? #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #DVBE #CalEProcure #Procurement #StateProcurement #Government Contracting #StateContracting?

As a certified #SmallBusinesses or #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise, you can't afford to sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. You need to be proactive! One of the best ways is through research – understanding which departments buy what you sell. Today, we highlight a powerful tool available to you on the DGS website: UNSPSC Spend Dashboard. This dashboard is a game-changer for any business owner looking to find state contracting opportunities. Insights you need to identify potential departments to market to. No more guessing or hoping your business gets noticed – use this tool to see where the dollars are flowing and position your business to take advantage of those opportunities. It’s an invaluable resource to help focus your efforts and target the right opportunities.? Three easy steps:? ? Access the UNSPSC Spend Dashboard on the DGS website.? ? Search by UNSPSC Code or Description — click the “Search by UNSPSC” button at the top right.? ? Select your fiscal year and UNSPSC — whether by UNSPSC number or description.? ? UNSPSC Spend Dashboard data shows:??? ? UNSPSC and Description? ? Purchasing Department?? ? Awarded Supplier?? ? Total fiscal year spend on the UNSPSC Category?? ? Percentage of Total Spend of the department’s budget for the UNSCPSC Remember, being proactive is key! The more you understand where your products or services are in demand, the better you can tailor your outreach and marketing strategy. Find the Dashboards page here https://lnkd.in/gVhANkVz Follow us and stay connected for more tips and support! Our “Essential Tuesday” posts offer tips, how-to, resources and advice to help #SmallBusiness and #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise firms gain an edge in state contracting. To reach OSDS call us at (916) 375-4940 or email?[email protected].?? #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting?

This Veterans Day, the California Department of General Services honors the contributions and sacrifices of the more than 2 million veterans living in California. Here at the Office of Small Business and DVBE Services, we are proud to support veterans by connecting them with state contracting opportunities for disabled veteran-owned business enterprise firms. We also work with veterans organizations statewide to provide education and resources that help veterans succeed in state contracting.?? ? If you are a veteran interested in doing business with the state, we would love to connect with you. Join us at one of these upcoming events.? ? https://lnkd.in/ednMjfZq - 8th Annual VIB Network National Conference (11/13-14) https://lnkd.in/gHKhPhwj - Veteran Success: Honoring Service and Empowering Business Growth (11/21)? ? #VeteranBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #VetBiz #DVBE #SmallBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement?

Now is your chance to share your experiences with California state contracting, discuss challenges or barriers you’ve faced, and learn more about the California Department of General Services (DGS) Procurement Division Disparity Study. Your input is valuable! Take the Survey: https://lnkd.in/gQUct6RN Attend a Meeting: https://lnkd.in/gsiKkbGG ?????? ???????? ???? ????????????? The purpose of this study is to assess whether any exclusionary practices have occurred in the state's procurement of goods and services. It will examine California’s contracting processes to ensure all businesses—including minority-owned, woman-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and certified ???????????? ?? ?????????????? The meetings will provide an overview of the DGS Disparity Study process, giving businesses the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences with state contracting, and discuss any challenges or barriers they have encountered. Attendees will also receive information on certification programs and how to do business with the state. ?????????????? ???????????????? November 13, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. November 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. November 14, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. November 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For more information, including registration details, one-on-one interview scheduling, or to complete a business survey, visit the Disparity Study website: https://lnkd.in/g24sWfkE. #California #SmallBusiness #Diversity #DisparityStudy #StateContracting #DVBE #Inclusion #OSDSBusinessOutreach #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting