HomeMy WebLinkAboutSBDR-Toolkit-Contracting-and-Construction-2019Small Business Development and Resource Toolkit for
Contracting and Construction
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
Inclusive Procurement and Contracting Resources
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
FY 2019
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INTRODUCTION
The Small Business Development & Resource Toolkit for Contracting and Construction related
businesses offers guidance and support to new and existing businesses. Whether you are
considering starting a business, you already have a successful business, or you are somewhere in
between the two, this toolkit can be a resource to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2
BUSINESS PLAN ........................................................................................................................................ 3
FUNDING YOUR BUSINESS .................................................................................................................... 3
MEETING THE LEGAL REGUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 10
FINDING LOCAL TALENT ..................................................................................................................... 15
COMPETING FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS (THE BASICS) .................................................. 17
STATE CONTRACTS ............................................................................................................................... 18
CERTIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 19
SBA LEARNING CENTER ....................................................................................................................... 25
ONLINE AND LOCAL RESOURCES ...................................................................................................... 26
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BUSINESS PLAN
WRITE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN (U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION -SBA)
“Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan
quickly and efficiently with a business plan template.” Learn how business plans help you run
your business, pick a business plan format that works for you, and see examples of business
plans.
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan
FUNDING YOUR BUSINESS
CALCULATE YOUR STARTUP COSTS
“How much money will it take to start your small business? Calculate the startup costs for your
small business so you can request funding, attract investors, and estimate when you’ll turn a
profit.”
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/calculate-your-startup-costs
“Download this fillable PDF spreadsheet to calculate your small business startup costs.”
https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2017-07/Startup%20Costs%20Worksheet.pdf
FIVE Cs of CREDIT
“Improve your chances of getting a loan by learning what lenders look for. When you apply for a
loan, lenders assess your credit risk based on a number of factors, including your credit/payment
history, income, and overall financial situation. Here is some additional information to help
explain these factors, also known as the 5 Cs, to help better understand what lenders look for:”
Credit History
Capacity/Cash Flow
Collateral (Guarantees)
Capital / Contribution
Condition
- Leverage-Debt/Worth Ratio
- Liquidity
- Balance Sheet Analysis to understand financial health of the company
- Equity
https://www.wellsfargo.com/financial-education/credit-management/five-c/
WHAT FIANCIAL RATIOS ARE IMPORTANT TO SMALL BUSINESS LENDERS,
BUSINESS OWNERS, AND BUSINESS BORROWERS?
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http://www.boefly.com/blog/small-business-lending/what-financial-ratios-are-important-to-
small-business-lenders-business-owners-and-business-borrowers
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS CREDIT
Dun & Bradstreet
Prove you’re financially responsible with a business credit report. If you’ve already applied for a
DUNS number, you can get a business credit report from Dun & Bradstreet. Review your
business credit file to make sure it’s accurate before sharing it.
“Your business credit record is the primary way that companies evaluate whether to do business
with you—and on what terms. Companies rely on your business creditworthiness to make critical
decisions, including whether:
To sell to you
To lend you money
You are viable as a partner
To lease the equipment, you need to grow your business
To increase your line of credit
To help you carry more inventory at competitive prices
To give you favorable financing rates and terms
You stack up favorably against other companies competing in your market space
Business credit includes a variety of data points about your business, such as the date it started,
the skills and experience of your top leaders, number of employees and annual sales. This type of
information is listed in your business credit profile, along with scores and ratings that are derived
from your business’s past behavior to predict its future behavior. For example, your ability and
willingness to pay your bills on time in the past is factored into your ability and likelihood of
paying your bills in the future.”
https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/whatIsBusinessCredit.htm
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Biz2Credit
“Biz2Credit was founded in 2007 and is backed by Nexus Venture Partners. Since its inception,
Biz2Credit has become the leading online marketplace for small business funding, having
arranged more than $2 billion in small business funding for thousands of companies throughout
the U.S.
Our proprietary platform matches borrowers to sources of capital based on each company's
unique profile -- completed in only a few minutes -- in a safe, efficient, price-transparent
environment. Our network consists of 1.6 million users, credit rating agencies such as D&B and
Equifax, and small business service providers including CPAs and lawyers. Biz2Credit's widely
reported Small Business Lending IndexTM is followed closely by the SBA, and the other lenders,
government agencies and the President's Council of Economic Advisers.” Biz2Credit also
provides free resources to small businesses such as:
BizAnalyzer: A free scorecard to measure the financial health and creditworthiness of
your company compared to other small businesses in your industry. Every report has
simple tips on how to make your finances better.
Business Loans: You can select loans by type (i.e. commercial loans, business lines of
credit, equipment financing, etc.) or by industry (i.e. restaurants
Financial Calculators: They let you know how your business will be evaluated by
potential lenders. They help you understand and compute the most commonly used
evaluation metrics.
https://www.biz2credit.com/
504 LOAN PROGRAM (BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION)
SBA 504 Benefits & Borrowers Loan Program
“If you’re expanding, you can access long-term, fixed-rate financing for the purchase of real
estate, construction and equipment acquisition through the Small Business Administration (SBA)
504 Loan Program. BDC is approved by the SBA to manage this program, which offers key
advantages to qualified businesses that plan to invest in equipment and/or real estate, such as:
Low down payment – conserving valuable operating capital
Competitive, fixed interest rate – no future interest rate fluctuations
Long term – brings debt service in line with the cash flow generated by the asset
Our professional staff will work directly with you and the bank to develop a financing package
that meets program guidelines and the credit criteria of your business.”
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http://www.bdcloan.com/sba-504-loan-program/
7(A)-LOAN PROGRAM (SBA)
“The SBA sets the guidelines that govern the 7(a)-loan program. As a lender, these conditions
determine which businesses you can lend to and the type of loans you can give. While the vast
majority of businesses are eligible for financial assistance from the SBA, some are not.
Eligible businesses must:
Operate for profit
Be engaged in, or propose to do business in, the U.S. or its territories
Have reasonable owner equity to invest
Use alternative financial resources, including personal assets, before seeking financial
assistance”
Special considerations apply to some types of businesses and individuals, so those interested in
applying for the 7(a)-loan program should view the terms, conditions, and eligibility.
“The 7(a)-loan program is the SBA's primary program for providing financial assistance to small
businesses. The terms and conditions, like the guaranty percentage and loan amount, may vary
by the type of loan.” Click on the following loan types to find out more about each loan.
Standard 7(a)
7(a) Small Loan
SBA Express
Export Express
Export Working Capital
International Trade
Preferred Lenders
Veterans Advantage
CAPLines
ACCION
Accion offers a wide range of loan amounts and will work with you to select a size strategically.
Term loans from $300-$1,000,000. “If you’re looking for a lender who will take the time to get
to know your business’s unique strengths and opportunities, Accion is the lender for you.”
Loans for Women-Owned Businesses
Loans for Minority-Owned Businesses
Loans for Food and Beverage Businesses
Loans for Startup Businesses
Loans for Small Businesses
Loans for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Business Loans for People with Disabilities
Loans for Green Businesses
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https://us.accion.org/small-business-loans/who-we-lend-to/
BUSINESS CONSORTIUM FUND, INC.
“BCF loan programs and business support services are available only to NMSDC certified
minority business enterprises that have, or have had within the past 12 months, a vendor or
supplier relationship with an NMSDC national or regional corporate member.”
If the answer is yes to each of the following questions, then a business is eligible for
consideration for one or more of the BCF loan programs:
1. Is the business a certified minority owned business enterprise by an NMSDC affiliated
Regional Council?
2. Is the loan for business purposes?
3. Does the business have contracts/purchase orders, or a meaningful supplier relationship
with an NMSDC national or regional corporate member?
“BCF products include purchase order financing, factoring, direct lending, loan participations,
and servicing MBE working capital needs. The BCF may provide debt financing directly to
NMSDC certified MBEs through its Direct Lending Program. The funds may be used for a
variety of purposes and can be in the form of either a term loan or line of credit. The current
maximum loan is $500,000 and the minimum is $75,000. The BCF will consider higher loan
amounts (currently up to $1.125 million) on a case by case basis. Loan terms may not exceed 7
years.”
https://www.bcfcapital.com/
ELEVATE VENTURES
Elevate is part “venture capital fund, and part entrepreneurial development partner. This twofold
strategy means we not only provide investment capital to Indiana entrepreneurs and robust
investment opportunities to funders, but we also make value-added services available to
entrepreneurs and community leaders. Collaborative relationships with universities and
communities across the state are critical to this model.”
Businesses that fit the Elevate Ventures model have a few things in common:
- They are a startup based in or interested in relocating to Indiana.
- They are generally involved in Agriculture, Life Sciences, Information Technology,
Advanced Manufacturing or Medical Devices.
- They are in the Ideation, Early or Growth stage of development.
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https://www.elevateventures.com/entrepreneurs/investment-funding/
GRANTS.GOV
“This government website allows grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding
opportunities. It contains information on more than 1,000 grant programs across all 26-federal
grant-making agencies, including the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business
Administration. To apply for federal grants, you must obtain a DUNS number from Dun &
Bradstreet; register to do business with the U.S. government through its System Award
Management website, and create an account at Grants.gov.”
https://www.grants.gov/
KABBAGE
“Kabbage’s small business loan application process can be completed in minutes, eliminating the
time typically spent waiting in lines or filling out numerous forms. Business financing decisions
are made in real time, so small business owners can access their lines of credit as soon as they're
approved. Kabbage uses advanced security to protect applicants’ information. Our small business
loans are vouched for with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Minimum requirements to qualify for a small business loan; your business needs to be at least a
year old. You should have revenues of $50,000 annually or $4,200 per month over the last three
months.”
Kabbage offers unsecured and secured small business loans, as well as industry-specific loans
such as construction companies, and loans for women and veterans.
https://www.kabbage.com/construction-company-loans/
SBA LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, which makes it easier for funders to provide loans to
small businesses that may fall in a higher risk category. These businesses may not be in a strong
enough financial position to obtain traditional bank small business loan and therefore rely on the
SBA guarantee.
“Loans guaranteed by the SBA range from small to large ($500 to $5.5 million to fund your
business) and can be used for most business purposes, including long-term fixed assets and
operating capital. Some loan programs set restrictions on how you can use the funds, so check
with an SBA-approved lender when requesting a loan. Your lender can match you with the right
loan for your business needs.
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Lenders and loan programs have unique eligibility requirements. In general, eligibility is based
on what a business does to receive its income, the character of its ownership, and where the
business operates. Normally, businesses must meet size standards, be able to repay, and have a
sound business purpose. Even those with bad credit may qualify for startup funding. The lender
will provide you with a full list of eligibility requirements for your loan.”
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans
LENDING CLUB
“Since 2007, we’ve been bringing borrowers and investors together, transforming the way people
access credit. Over the last 10 years, we've helped millions of people take control of their debt,
grow their small businesses, and invest for the future.”
They look for:
12 months or more in business
At least $50,000 in annual sales
No recent bankruptcies or tax liens
You own at least 20% of the business and have at least fair or better personal credit
https://www.lendingclub.com/loans/personal-loans
LENDER MATCH (SBA)
Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating
SBA-approved lenders.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/lender-match
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MEETING THE LEGAL REGUIREMENTS
CONTRACTOR LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS (CITY OF SOUTH BEND)
Indiana only licenses plumbers at the state level. All others should be checked locally.
“All contractors, including subcontractors, must be registered or licensed with the Building
Department in order to perform work in St. Joseph County and City of South Bend; with the
exception that a residential owner-occupant of a dwelling may perform their own work. Click on
the corresponding links below to get requirements, steps and forms for registration and licensing
with the Building Department.”
https://southbendin.gov/department/building/contractor-licenses/
NEW AND SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER--DETERMINING FORMATION
OF YOUR ENTITY (STATE OF INDIANA)
“Whether you are a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, nonprofit, or you’re just not
sure, we can help. The New and Small Business Education Center is not only a place to update
your information, apply for new taxes, or find the forms you need, it is also a place with valuable
resources for your business.”
https://secure.in.gov/dor/3939.htm
BUSINESS STRUCTURES -TAX CONSIDERATIONS (IRS)
“When beginning a business, you must decide what form of business entity to establish. Your
form of business determines which income tax return form you have to file. The most common
forms of business are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and S corporation. A
Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure allowed by state statute. Legal and tax
considerations enter into selecting a business structure.”
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/business-structures
INBIZ (IN.GOV) YOUR ONE STOP SOURCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS (STATE OF
INDIANA)
“INBiz is the state of Indiana’s one-stop resource for registering and managing your business and
ensuring it complies with state laws and regulations. We utilize state-of-the-art security features
so you can feel safe about inputting your personal and business information into our system.
In partnering with the Secretary of State, Department of Workforce Development and the
Department of Revenue, INBiz has created a best-in-class portal that provides a streamlined and
expedited process for your business needs.
From registering your business’s name to filing required paperwork, you need go no further than
INBiz.”
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https://inbiz.in.gov/BOS/Home/Index
EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (SBA)
“Your state tax ID and federal tax ID numbers — also known as an Employer Identification
Number (EIN) — work like a personal social security number, but for your business. They let
your small business pay state and federal taxes. Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is
your federal tax ID. You need it to pay federal taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and
apply for business licenses and permits.”
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/get-federal-and-state-tax-id-
numbers#section-header-5
APPLY FOR AN EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (IRS):
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-
identification-number-ein-online
OPEN A BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT
“Open a business account when you're ready to start accepting or spending money as your
business. A business bank account helps you stay legally compliant and protected. It also
provides benefits to your customers and employees. Common business accounts include a
checking account, savings account, credit card account, and a merchant services
account. Merchant services accounts allow you to accept credit and debit card transactions from
your customers. You can open a business bank account once you've gotten your federal EIN.”
Things to consider when opening a business checking, saving, merchant services account, or any
other business bank account can be found here:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/open-business-bank-account
RECORDKEEPING WHEN A SMALL BUSINESS/ SELF-EMPLOYED (IRS)
“Good records will help you monitor the progress of your business, prepare your financial
statements, identify sources of income, keep track of deductible expenses, keep track of your
basis in property, prepare your tax returns, and support items reported on your tax returns.”
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping
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THE SURETY & FIDELITY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
“The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) serves as the thought leader and trusted
adviser for the surety and fidelity industry, state and federal agencies and legislators. As a
licensed rating agency/advisory organization and trade association, SFAA supports its members,
subscribers, federal, state and local government leaders and the public by providing statistical
and actuarial data, expertise, advocacy, education and promotion on the value of surety and
fidelity bonds.
Surety is a unique form of insurance in which the surety company’s financial resources back the
contractor’s commitment to enter a contract with an owner. Surety bonds are a three-party
agreement among the owner (obligee), the contractor (principal), and the surety company, and
the surety company is obligated to both the obligee and the principal.
Surety bonds provide financial security and construction assurance to project owners by
verifying that in the surety’s opinion the contractor is capable of performing the work and will
pay certain subcontractors, laborers, and material suppliers.”
Understand how to get a surety bond and discover the resources that the Surety & Fidelity
Association of America have for small and emerging contractors by clicking the link below.
https://www.surety.org/page/Bonding
GUARANTEED SURETY BONDS –(SBA)
“The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees bid, performance, and payment surety
bonds issued by certain surety companies.
Surety bonds help small businesses win contracts by providing the customer with a guarantee
that the work will be completed. Many public and private contracts require surety bonds, which
are offered by surety companies. The SBA guarantees surety bonds for certain surety companies,
which allows the companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not meet the
criteria for other sureties.”
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/surety-bonds
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INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
If you are an employer, you must register with the Indiana Department of Workforce
Development. “You can register online using the online Uplink Employer Self Service (ESS)
program which also allows you to:
Register as a new employer
Maintain unemployment insurance account information
Review account status information
Submit quarterly unemployment insurance contribution reports
Make payments by e-check and credit card”
https://www.in.gov/dwd/2467.htm
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR (SELF-EMPLOYED) OR EMPLOYEE (IRS)
“It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether the individuals providing services
are employees or independent contractors. Generally, you must withhold income taxes, withhold
and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an
employee. You do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent
contractors.
Before you can determine how to treat payments you make for services, you must first know the
business relationship that exists between you and the person performing the services.” The IRS
defines an independent contractor, employee, statutory employee and statutory non-employee.
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-
employed-or-employee
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORUTNITY COMMISSISON (EEOC)
Independent contractors can sometimes qualify as employees in a legal sense. The Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission created a guide for making the determination.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS IN THE BUILDING AND/OR CONSTRUCTION
TRADES (INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE)
“Independent contractors doing business in the State of Indiana are required to file a statement
and documentation with the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) stating independent
contractor status. There is a five-dollar filing fee and the certificate is valid for one year. In
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addition, a ‘Certification of Independent Contractor Status and Worker's Compensation
Exemption’ must be filed with the Worker’s Compensation Board. This has a filing fee of $15.”
https://www.in.gov/dor/3748.htm
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR)
“While completion of Form WH-347 is optional, it is mandatory for covered contractors and
subcontractors performing work on Federally financed or assisted construction contracts to
respond to the information collection contained in 29 C.F.R. §§ 3.3, 5.5(a). The Copeland Act
(40 U.S.C. § 3145) requires contractors and subcontractors performing work on Federally
financed or assisted construction contracts to "furnish weekly a statement with respect to the
wages paid each employee during the preceding week." U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Regulations at 29 C.F.R. § 5.5(a)(3)(ii) require contractors to submit weekly a copy of all
payrolls to the Federal agency contracting for or financing the construction project, accompanied
by a signed "Statement of Compliance" indicating that the payrolls are correct and complete and
that each laborer or mechanic has been paid not less than the proper Davis-Bacon prevailing
wage rate for the work performed. DOL and federal contracting agencies receiving this
information review the information to determine that employees have received legally required
wages and fringe benefits.
Under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts, the contractor is required to pay not less than prevailing
wage, including fringe benefits, as predetermined by the Department of Labor. The contractor's
obligation to pay fringe benefits may be met either by payment of the fringe benefits to bona fide
benefit plans, funds or programs or by making payments to the covered workers (laborers and
mechanics) as cash in lieu of fringe benefits.”
Download the WH-347 form here, and find out more information by clicking the link below.
https://www.dol.gov/whd/forms/wh347instr.htm
HOW TO CORRECTLY FILL OUT A WH-347 PAYROLL FORM
https://www.in.gov/ocra/files/Instructions_for_WH_347.pdf
DEVELOP YOUR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides plenty of resources for small
businesses to help them meet and maintain legal compliance. Under the Occupational Safety and
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Health Administration is the Directorate of Construction (DOC) whose mission is: "To serve as
OSHA's principal source for standards, regulations, policy, programs and assistance to OSHA,
other Federal Agencies, the construction industry, and the general public with respect to
occupational safety and health."
https://www.osha.gov/doc/aboutdoc.html
CONTINUOUS COMPLIANCE
It is important to not only meet the legal requirements, but also maintain compliance with local,
state, and federal requirements. You may be required to renew business licenses or permits, or
complete annual reports so be sure to keep up to date. Here are other agencies your business may
be required to comply with, or may be highly encouraged to comply with, please be aware this is
not an exhaustive list:
Americans with Disabilities Act
Advertising and Marketing Laws (FTC)
Affordable Care Act (IRS)
Copyright Laws
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Family and Medical Leave Act
Minimum Wage Laws
Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures
Workplace Posters (DOL)
FINDING LOCAL TALENT
WORKONE
Contact: Bart Fore bfore@gotoworkone.com
“WorkOne will work directly with you to help fill your business with skilled, job-ready
employees. We’ll walk with you to help you succeed in today’s tight labor market. Whether you
need to recruit and hire new employees or train your current staff, WorkOne is here to help. Our
services are diverse and catered to fit the needs of each unique business that comes our way.”
Click here to contact a member of our Business Services Team. Meet your business needs today
– get connected with the services you need.
SOUTH BEND HOUSING AUTHORITY (HUD) SECTION 3 WORKFORCE
Contact: Steve Peterson speterson@sbhaonline.com
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The South Bend Housing Authority can provide a list of Section 3 workers by skill that meet
specified criteria. This list of workers may not be comprehensive, but may only include those
workers that have provided consent for their information or resumes to be shared with potential
employers.
Businesses can recruit in the neighborhood and public housing developments to inform residents
about available training and job opportunities. Distributing flyers, posting signs, placing ads, and
contacting resident organizations and local community development and employment agencies to
locate potential workers are effective ways of acquiring jobs.
SOUTH BEND-ELKHART REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Contact: Bethany Hartley bhartley@southbendelkhart.org
SBERP hosts a database of local inclusive, ethnically diverse talent across industries.
https://southbendelkhart.org/living-here/talent/
SOUTH BEND REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Contact: Kate Lee klee@sbrchamber.com
SBRCC hosts a database of local inclusive, ethnically diverse talent across industries and a
number of other resources to identify talent by skill, competency, and or industry.
https://www.sbrchamber.com/talent/resources/
LOCAL UNIONS
Contact: Murray Miller millsbi@aol.com
Website: www.inldc.org/local645
http://www.sjvbt.com/
Specialty Contractors: www.inldc.org/local645/SpecialtyContractors
The St. Joesph Valley Building and Construction Trades Council is the alliance of 17 affiliated
locals representing over 10,000 highly skilled craftsmen and women throughout Northern
Indiana and Southern Michigan. Leading edge skill development through progressive
apprenticeship programs, an ongoing commitment to positive Labor-Management partnerships
and the concept of many voices speaking as one on the political issues that impact our members
are the primary goals of the Building Trades.
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COMPETING FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
(THE BASICS)
OBTAIN A DUN & BRADSTREET (DUNS) NUMBER
“Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Universal Numbering System, commonly known as the
D-U-N-S® Number, is a unique global business identification system that identifies, validates,
and links to more than 280 million businesses worldwide.
The D-U-N-S Number is a nine-digit non-indicative numbering sequence and is assigned at the
lowest organizational level, i.e. business locations with a unique, separate, and distinct operation.
The D-U-N-S Number is assigned to all types of business organizations including sole
proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, non-profits, and government entities. The D-U-N-S
Number is constant— it stays with a business throughout the lifecycle including name, address
and corporate structure changes and even bankruptcy.
The D-U-N-S Number is not just a number—it is a system for maintaining accurate,
comprehensive and timely information – and it is issued rapidly and free of charge for all
entities wanting to do business with the U.S. Federal Government.”
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS)
“The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal
statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting,
analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. This official U.S.
Government Web site provides the latest information on plans for NAICS revisions, as well as
access to various NAICS reference files and tools.”
Match your products and services to the NAICS code. A business will generally have a primary
NAICS code, but it can also have multiple NAICS codes if it sells multiple products and
services.
https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/
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REGISTER WITH SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM.GOV)
“The System for Award Management (SAM) is an official website of the U.S. government.
There is no cost to use SAM. You can use this site for FREE to:
Register to do business with the U.S. government
Update or renew your entity registration
Check status of an entity registration
Search for entity registration and exclusion records
Getting Started
You must have an active registration in SAM to do business with the Federal Government. To
register in SAM, at a minimum, you will need the following information:
U.S. Registrants:
1. Your DUNS Number
2. Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Taxpayer Name associated with it.
3. Your bank's routing number, your bank account number, and your bank account type,
i.e. checking or savings, to set up Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).”
https://www.sam.gov/SAM/
MAINTAIN YOUR COMPLIANCE
In order to participate in government contracting, you must comply with all laws and regulations.
The federal government's purchasing process is governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Regulations covering government contracting programs for small businesses are listed in the
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations 13 CFR 125.
STATE CONTRACTS
INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION-BIDDER PROFILE REGISTRATION
“In order to participate in many State of Indiana procurement processes, businesses are required
to have a Bidder Profile with the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA). The Bidder
Profile creates a unique ID for businesses that is used for supplier diversity certifications
and contract monitoring.
Bidder Profile Benefits
Registered Bidders can elect to receive solicitation notifications based on UNSPSC
Registered Bidders can elect to be listed on the Buy Indiana Directory
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Agency purchasing agents can search the list of registered bidders to find companies that provide
products and services that are needed by their agency.”
https://www.in.gov/idoa/2464.htm
CERTIFICATIONS
INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
https://www.in.gov/idoa/mwbe/2489.htm
The Indiana Department of Administration, Division of Supplier Diversity (DSD), acts on behalf
of the State of Indiana to actively promote, monitor and enforce the standards for certification of
minority and women’s business enterprises. The Division was established in 1983 by the State of
Indiana when Indiana Code 4-13-16.5 became law. Its mission is to provide equal opportunity to
minority and women owned enterprises in the state’s procurement and contracting
process. Subsequent to the statute being enacted regulations were developed to govern the
program and were made part of the Indiana Administrative Code as 25 IAC-5.
SBA CONTRACTING PROGRAMS
Most of the socio-economic programs require some form of certification. Many programs use the
certify.SBA.gov website to let you certify or do a preliminary check to see if you’re qualified.
However, each program has its own standards and process for certification, so make sure to read
carefully.
8(a) Business Development Program
“The federal government's goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars
to small disadvantaged businesses each year.”
“To qualify for the 8(a) program, follow this eligibility checklist:
Be a small business
Not already have participated in the 8(a) program
Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially
disadvantaged
Be owned by someone whose personal net worth is $250,000 or less
Be owned by someone whose average adjusted gross income for three years is $250,000 or less
Be owned by someone with $4 million or less in assets
Have the owner manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
Have all its principals demonstrate good character
Show potential for success and be able to perform successfully on contracts.
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The federal government fully defines who qualifies for the 8(a) program — including what counts as
being economically and socially disadvantaged — in Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR). You can also get a preliminary assessment of whether you qualify at the SBA’s
Certify website.”
Find out the program benefits and more.
https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-program
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting program
“The federal government's goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars
to women-owned small businesses each year.”
“Women’s contracting program eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the women’s contracting program, your business must:
Be a small business
Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
Have women manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
To qualify as an economically disadvantaged business within the women’s contracting program,
your business must:
Meet all the requirements of the women’s contracting program
Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth less
than $750,000
Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with $350,000 or less in adjusted
gross income averaged over the previous three years
Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each $6 million or less in personal
assets
The eligibility requirements to qualify as a WOSB or an EDWOSB are fully defined in Title 13
Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). You can also get a preliminary
assessment of whether you qualify at the SBA’s Certify website.”
Find out the program benefits and more.
https://www.sba.gov/women-owned-small-business-federal-contracting-program
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HUBZone Program
“The federal government's goal is to award at least three percent of all federal contracting dollars
to HUBZone-certified small businesses each year.”
“To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must:
Be a small business
Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development
Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
Have its principal office located in a HUBZone
Have at least 35 percent of its employees live in a HUBZone
You can find the full qualification criteria in Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR).”
Find out the program benefits and more.
https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses program
“The federal government's goal is to award at least three percent of all federal contracting dollars
to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses each year.”
“To qualify for the disabled veterans’ business program, your business must:
Be a small business
Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and also make
long-term decisions
Eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability
You can view the full eligibility requirements in Title 13 Part 125 Subpart B of the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR).”
Find out the program benefits and more.
https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/s-d/v-o-s-b-p
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NATIONAL MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
“The National Minority Supplier Development Council advances business opportunities for
certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) and connects them to corporate members.
They match more than 12,000 certified minority-owned businesses to their vast network of
corporate members who wish to purchase their products, services and solutions. Their corporate
membership includes many of the largest public and privately-owned companies, as well
healthcare companies, colleges and universities.
The NMSDC network includes:
a national office in New York City
23 affiliate regional councils nationwide
1,450 corporate members and growing
They’re proud of their unwavering commitment to advance Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native
American suppliers in a globalized corporate supply chain.”
MBE Certification
“Criteria for Certification:
United States citizens.
Minority businesses must be at least 51% minority-owned operated and controlled. For the
purposes of NMSDC’s program, a minority group member is an individual who is at least
25% Asian, Black, Hispanic or Native American. Minority eligibility is established via a
combination of screenings, interviews and site visits. Ownership, in the case of a publicly-
owned business, means that at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minority
group members.
Must be a profit enterprise and physically located in the U. S. or its trust territories.
Management and daily operations must be exercised by the minority ownership
member(s).”
Click here to get registered!
http://www.nmsdc.org/about-nmsdc/
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MID-STATES MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
(AFFILIATE OF THE NMSDC)
Serving Indiana (except NW IN), Central Illinois &; Eastern Missouri
“The primary mission of the Mid-States MSDC is to promote and cultivate successful minority
enterprises within the Central Illinois, Indiana and Eastern Missouri business communities. The
Mid-States MSDC serves as an advocate for the economic well-being and growth of certified
MBEs, while also providing a direct connection for corporations who are committed to
purchasing products and services from Mid-States MSDC-certified MBEs.”
For more information or questions about the MBE certification contact:
Ms. Carolyn Mosby, CEO
2126 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 923-2110
Email: certification@midstatesmsdc.org
Web: www.MidStatesMSDC.org
WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE NATIONAL COUNCIL (WBENC)
https://www.wbenc.org/certification/
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest certifier of women-
owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and
entrepreneurs.
WBENC's world-class certification is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations representing
America's most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities. WBENC
is also an approved Third Party Certifier for the United States Small Business Administration
(SBA) Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.
WBENC Certification validates that the business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and
managed by a woman or women. To achieve WBENC Certification, women owned businesses
complete a formal documentation and site visit process which is administered by one of
WBENC's 14 Regional Partner Organizations. WBENC Certification gives women owned
businesses the ability to compete for real-time business opportunities provided by WBENC
Corporate Members and government agencies.
NATIONAL LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (NLGCC)
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https://www.nglcc.org/get-certified
The NGLCC is the exclusive, third-party certification body that verifies that eligible businesses
are majority-owned by LGBT individuals, and subsequently grants LGBT Business Enterprise®
(LGBTBE®) designation to such businesses as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.
U.S. BUSINESS LEADERSHIP NETWORK (USBLN)
https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/supplier-diversity/
The Supplier Diversity program is the leading third-party certifier of disability-owned business
enterprises (DOBEs), including service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprises (SDV-
DOBEs) promoting their utilization and growth.
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SBA LEARNING CENTER
The SBA offers a variety of FREE online courses to help you start and run your business.
https://www.sba.gov/learning-center
HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN (30 MINUTE VIDEO)
“This course explains the importance of business planning, defines and describes the components
of a business plan, and provides access to sample plans and resources that can help you develop a
very good business plan.”
https://www.sba.gov/course/how-write-business-plan/
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS (30 MINUTE VIDEO)
“As a small business owner, do you know what your federal, state and local legal obligations
are? This course will give you an overview of the legal requirements of small business owners.”
https://www.sba.gov/course/legal-requirements-small-business/
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: A GUIDE TO WINNING FEDERAL CONTRACTS
(30 MINUTE VIDEO)
“The U.S. government is the world's largest buyer of products and services. This self‐paced
training program is designed to provide an overview of federal contract procedures and how to
sell to the government.”
https://www.sba.gov/course/business-opportunities-guide-winning-federal-contracts/
PRE--8(A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM- WINNING PROGRAMS
(45 MINUTE VIDEO)
Winning contracts is divided into seven unique sections, each covering a specific topic. Woven
together, the sections create an information composite designed to help prospective 8(a) firms
understand how to sell goods and services to the government.
https://www.sba.gov/course/pre-8a-business-development-program-winning-contracts/
HOW TO PREPARE GOVERNMENT CONTRACT PROPOSALS (30 MINUTE VIDEO)
“Explains the government’s contract-solicitation process and describes how to prepare a proposal
in response.”
https://www.sba.gov/course/how-prepare-government-contract-proposals/
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING 101 (PART 1) (30 MINUTE VIDEO)
“This course is designed to help small businesses understand how the government buys goods
and services. There are three parts to this training program. This part, part one, provides a small
business introduction to government contracting. It describes prime and subcontracting
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assistance programs, SBA certification programs, and it describes women and veteran owned
small business programs.”
https://www.sba.gov/course/government-contracting-101-part-1/
ONLINE AND LOCAL RESOURCES
COUNSELING AND HELP THROUGH THE SBA
“The SBA offers counseling and training resources that help small businesses understand the
federal contracting process. Whether you’re trying to win your first government contract or
you’re an experienced contractor, the SBA and its partner organizations can be valuable
resources.”
Contact the SBA:
Office of Government Contracting
409 Third St. SW suite 8800
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202-205-6460
Fax: 202-205-7324
PROCUREMENT CENTER REPRESENTATIVES (SBA)
“Procurement Center Representatives (PCRs) help small businesses win federal contracts. PCRs
view many federal acquisition and procurement strategies before they’re announced. This
enables them to influence opportunities that should be set aside for small businesses.
PCRs also conduct market research, assist small businesses with payment issues, provide
counseling on the contracting process, and more.”
PCR FOR INDIANA
Ms. Katherine R. Ragland
Procurement Center Representative
U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Government Contracting, Area IV
U.S. Small Business Administration
8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 400
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Tel: (317) 226-7272, x 129
Fax: (317) 226-7259
E-fax: (202) 292-3519
Email: katherine.ragland@sba.gov
Activities covered:
Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane
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Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) - Crane
U.S. Army Contracting Command - Crane
U.S. Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO), Army National Guard Bureau - Indianapolis
Grissom Air Force Base Reserve – Grissom ARB
U.S. Census Bureau, Jeffersonville
INDIANA PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (INDIANA-PTAC)
“Indiana PTAC offers a wide variety of services. All of our services are provided at no charge to
companies with their headquarters in Indiana!
Assistance with Certifications and Registrations – Indiana PTAC can help you through the
complex maze of registrations that are essential to doing business with the government. We also
assist you to determine if you are eligible for any set-aside programs and assist in the
certification process.
Bid-matching Service – Indiana PTAC can automatically match your company’s product or
service with daily bid notices that show you exactly what the government is buying or planning
to buy, as well as award histories identifying what has been purchased and for how much.
Subcontracting Assistance – The Indiana PTAC can help identify possible subcontracting
opportunities with major prime contractors, especially those located here in Indiana with which
the PTAC maintains relationships, that often look for small business suppliers. We can help you
make that connection.
Assistance with Federal Regulations and Military Specifications – Indiana PTAC can provide
you with copies of local, state, and federal government regulations, including Military
Specifications (MIL-SPECs) and Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR).
Proposal Preparation – While Indiana PTAC can’t write your proposal for you, we help you
understand the solicitation and its requirements, we will review it as it evolves, and we will
recommend ways to make it stronger and more accurate once it is drafted.”
Northwest Region
(Counties served: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St Joseph, Newton, Jasper, Starke, Marshall, Pulaski,
Fulton, Benton, White, Cass, Warren, Tippecanoe, Carroll, Fountain, Montgomery, Clinton.)
For more information contact:
Diana Hunter
Email: dhunter@iedc.in.gov
Phone: 219-214-2126
https://www.in.gov/indiana-ptac/
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INDIANA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
“The Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC) was created to have a
positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth, and sustainability of small businesses
in Indiana, and to help Hoosier Entrepreneurs start stronger, grow faster, and work smarter.”
NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL HOST: IU SOUTH BEND
Judd Leighton School of Business and Economics at Indiana University South Bend
1700 W Mishawaka Ave
South Bend, IN 46615
(574) 520-4126
https://isbdc.org/locations/north-central-isbdc/
LATIN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Latin American Chamber of Commerce is a liaison organization engaging and promoting
the economic and social advancement for the Latin community and businesses. Through
collaborative opportunities, and leadership, we will contribute to the growth of a diverse
community.
418 W. Jefferson Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 217-7397
https://www.laccsjc.org/startingabusiness
PROJECT IMPACT AT THE WEST SIDE SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
The center will open to stimulate small business development along Lincoln Way and throughout
the entire community. It is a neighborhood-based business development center Michiana SCORE
plans to help launch to foster small business growth throughout the city.
809 Lincoln Way West
South Bend, IN 46616
For more information contact:
Aida Walls
(574) 299-6467
Email: aidawalls@adontransforms.org
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SCORE
“SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than
10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 10 million entrepreneurs through
mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964.”
SCORE Business Mentor
1030 East Jefferson Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46617
Phone: (574) 310-8097
https://www.score.org/
SOUTH BEND-ELKHART REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
“The South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership is a collaboration of the economic development
partners from 47 smart connected communities in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
The organization serves as a single point of contact for regional communication and seeks to
create economic opportunities for all partner members through collaborative promotion,
marketing and capacity building efforts. The Partnership also serves as the Administrator for the
Regional Development Authority to allocating regional cities initiative funding to the 26 quality
of life projects”
Regina Emberton, CCIM, SIOR
President and CEO
remberton@southbendelkhart.org
South Bend | Elkhart Regional Partnership
4477 Progress Drive
South Bend, IN 46628
Phone: (574) 400-5432
https://southbendelkhart.org/regional-collaboration/south-bend-elkhart-regional-partnership/
STARTUP SOUTH BEND-ELKHART
Startup South Bend – Elkhart is a program under the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership.
“Startup South Bend – Elkhart is a centering catalyst that ignites new business creation and
prosperity by leveraging the unique and united assets of the region.” Resources they provide
include work spaces, R&D Centers, capital, skills development, advisory services, networking
opportunities, and more.
Catlin Bulger
Startup Ecosystem and Communications Manager
Email: cbulger@southbendelkhart.org or startup@southbendelkhart.org
http://startupsouthbendelkhart.com/
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SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPEMNT PROGRAM – OPERATION HOPE
“We partner with financial institutions, corporations, municipal agencies, and community
organizations to deliver HOPE Inside—our award-winning model of community uplift that has
allowed us to scale, and sustainably package and deliver, financial dignity and economic
empowerment programming in communities around the country, at no cost to the client. The
client experience at HOPE Inside is rooted in empowerment.”
For more information contact:
John Hope Bryant
Email: charmela.freeman@operationhope.org
http://operationhope.org/#our_work
SPARK (BUSINESS ACCELERATOR FOR WOMEN)
Spark is a program under the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) with Saint Mary’s
College. Spark’s mission is to “cultivate the entrepreneurial capacity of women with a
combination of personal education, business training, and ongoing professional mentoring to
sustainably advance beyond socio-economic boundaries and achieve self-sufficiency.”
https://wei.saintmarys.edu/wei/entrepreneurship/en/our-program/
For more information contact:
Willow Wetherall
Project Director, WEI
(574) 284-4059
Email: wwetherall@saintmarys.edu
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: (BEST PRACTICES FOR SUBCONTRACTORS, GENERAL
CONTRACTORS, AND PUBLIC AGENCIES)
This provides more information about some general issues with doing business in the
construction industry such as cash flow, communication between contractors, change order
processing, contract negotiations and more.
Click here to view the PDF.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS
OREGON COLUMBIA CHAPTER
9450 SW Commerce Circle #200
Wilsonville, OR 97070
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503-682-3363
www.agc-oregon.org