New Markets

Government contracting refers to the process by which a government entity, such as a federal agency, contracts with private entities to provide goods or services. This can cover a wide range of activities, from supplying equipment to providing consulting services.

Government contracting offers opportunities for businesses of all sizes, including small businesses.

Federal Government

The U.S. government purchases a vast range of goods and services, from everyday supplies to specialized solutions. Importantly, federal law ensures that small businesses are given fair consideration, opening the door to steady revenue and long-term partnerships.

Federal contract opportunities are listed at SAM.gov.

Additional resources to navigate federal government contract include:

• SBA Contracting Assistance Programs: The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various programs to certify small businesses to qualify for government contracts set aside for businesses like yours.
• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): Federal contracting governed by the FAR, which outlines the rules and regulations for federal procurement.
• Virginia APEX Accelerator: The Virginia APEX Accelerator is administered by George Mason University. APEX Accelerator offers multiple locations and partners with local public and private organizations to offer counseling and training close to our clients.
• SBA Contracting Guide: The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a contract guide to navigate federal contracting opportunities.

Commonwealth of Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia also offers contracting opportunities for small businesses.

Virginia's procurement portal Electronic Virginia (eVa) is the state's official electronic procurement marketplace. It is where agencies post solicitations, vendors register, and contracts are awarded. Certification is often required or strongly encouraged for participation in state contracts.

Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD)

SBSD administers the SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned) certification program, which is the gateway for small businesses to be recognized in Virginia's procurement process. The certification division also provides certifications for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Employment Services Organization (ESO), and Service Disabled Veteran-owned businesses (SDV). This certification is often required or strongly encouraged for participation in state contracts which can be found on eVA.

The mission of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) is to provide education and assistance; economic opportunity; and access to capital to generate employment and economic growth for small businesses.

SBSD offers various programs and outreach events to help assist small businesses in navigating the Commonwealth's contracting landscape, provide specialized management and technical assistance to DBE firms participating in projects funded by the US Department of Transportation and other federal sectors.

• Certification Program - The Certification Division is responsible for the administration of Virginia's business certification programs.
• The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) - Offers a variety of financing opportunities for small businesses.
• SCALING4GROWTH - A program that takes qualified businesses through an intensive six-month program to scale their business to the next level.
• Events - The Business Development and Outreach Services (BDOS) Division of SBSD hosts webinars and training on various business topics and offers one-on-one business counseling across the Commonwealth.

Local Governments

Each local government entity (county, incorporated city or township) has its own rules, regulations, and processes regarding government contracting.

International markets refers to a marketplace outside of a company's home country where it sells its goods and services.

It involves the exchange of products and services across national borders, and companies must adapt their strategies to different cultural, economic, legal, and political environments.

This global marketplace is distinct from a domestic market, which exists only within a country's borders.

Resources to help you explore international markets:

• Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)
• United States Trade Representative (USTR)
• United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
• Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
• U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEAC)

E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services online, primarily using the internet.

It can involve the exchange of products or services between businesses, consumers, or both, facilitated through platforms like websites, mobile apps, or online marketplaces.

E-commerce can help businesses grow by letting them sell online. This approach allows companies to reach a wider audience of customers anywhere in the world, not just locally. They can increase sales through new revenue streams like subscriptions or digital items, and simultaneously save money by cutting down on the overhead costs associated with a physical storefront.

E-commerce also streamlines internal operations, making tasks like managing inventory and assisting customers more efficient, while utilizing data to personalize the shopping experience with tailored product suggestions for each individual.

Types of e-commerce include:

• Business-to-Consumer (B2C): Businesses selling directly to individual customers. (e.g., Amazon,)
• Business-to-Business (B2B): Businesses selling to other businesses, often through wholesale or bulk orders. (e.g., Microsoft, IBM).
• Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Individuals selling to other individuals (e.g., on platforms like eBay).

For additional tools and resources on ecommerce, visit International Trade Administration or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).