How to Do Business with the State of CA
Ready to grow your business through government contracts but not sure where to start?
Join us for a free, in-person workshop designed to demystify the process of selling to local and CA state agencies. This interactive training will walk you through the fundamentals of government contracting, connect you with CA State agencies, and feature real-world insights from local businesses that have successfully navigated the government procurement system.
You’ll learn how to get certified in California, where to find state contracting opportunities, and what it takes to compete and win contracts. Plus, you’ll have multiple opportunities to network with government representatives and fellow business owners throughout the day. Whether you’re just exploring contracting or ready to take the next step, this workshop will equip you with tools, insights, and contacts to move forward with confidence.
Agenda highlights:
- Doing Business with the State of California – Presented by CA DGS OSDS: Learn how to get certified and sell to the State of California.
- How to Find & Win Contracts – Presented by Norcal APEX Accelerator: Learn how to find contracting opportunities with California.
- Prime Contractor & Small Business Panel – Hear directly from local Primes about what they’ve learned from their success in government procurement.
- One-on-One Networking – Meet with representatives from agencies like CA DGS, Cal OSBA, and more.
Network with State Agencies:
CA DGS Office of Small Business & DVBE Services (CA DGS OSDS)
The CA Department of General Services Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (CA DGS OSDS) commits to helping small, diverse and disabled veteran businesses thrive. OSDS assists businesses with certification and access to procurement opportunities through outreach, education and advocacy. OSDS also works to ensure the state as a whole and each department and agency meets the goal of spending 25% of contract dollars with California certified small businesses and 3% with disabled veteran business enterprises.
CA Office of the Small Business Advocate (Cal OSBA)
CalOSBA is the State of California’s lead office dedicated to supporting and advocating for small businesses. The office connects entrepreneurs to state resources, programs, and networks that help small businesses start, grow, and succeed in California’s economy.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Caltrans plans, builds, and maintains California’s transportation system while creating contracting opportunities for small businesses. Through its small business and DBE programs, Caltrans helps firms connect to public works projects and compete for transportation-related contracts across the state.
Alameda County Transportation Commission
Alameda CTC plans, funds, and delivers transportation improvements throughout Alameda County. Through its contracting and small business programs, Alameda CTC works to create opportunities for businesses to participate in transportation projects and supports the growth of diverse, local, and small business enterprises across the region.
California State Teachers’ Retirement System
CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world and provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to California’s public school educators and their families. Through its procurement and contracting programs, CalSTRS works with a wide range of businesses to support its operations and investment activities while promoting opportunities for small and diverse suppliers.
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center – Women’s Business Center
The San Francisco SoMa Women’s Business Center, operated by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain successful businesses through training, one-on-one advising, and access to critical business resources. The center provides specialized support for women-owned businesses while serving entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with programs focused on business planning, access to capital, marketing, and long-term growth.
Registration Cost: FREE
*Seats may be limited
Location: IN PERSON – City and County of San Francisco Permit Center
49 S Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA. 94103
Event Contact: Norcal APEX Accelerator
P: (707) 267-7561
E: info@apexnorcal.org
This no-cost training event is hosted by
Norcal APEX Accelerator
Northern California APEX Accelerator is a government-funded nonprofit formed to help small businesses find, bid on, and win contracts with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.
San Francisco SBDC
San Francisco SBDC’s mission is to empower now and next-generation entrepreneurs with a prepared, growth mindset – through transformative insights, resources, and guidance.
SF SBDC is part of a 40-year national legacy committed to small business success. With unparalleled access to no-cost expertise from entrepreneurs who have seen it all, San Francisco County SBDC provides small businesses with the solutions they seek and the confidence they need to realize their dreams.
