IN PERSON – How to Do Business with the State of California

Last year the state of California spent more than $10 billion on goods and services, including more than $2 billion with small businesses. Over $2 million of that was spent with local Mendocino businesses, but the state wants to increase that number, which is where you come in. State agencies buy everything from construction and fencing to marketing and pest control services.

Don’t miss out on this in-person workshop for businesses new to state contracting or those who want a refresher. First we’ll start with the basics of government contracting in general then we’ll dive into the details of contracting with the Golden State. You’ll get valuable information on how to get certified as a small business (SB) or disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) and how to begin selling your products and services to the state of California. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions for our presenters so don’t be shy. 

Workshop Topics Include:

• Introduction to government contracting
• Small Business (SB) Certification 
• Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification
• How to sell to the State of California
• Marketing to the State of California
• Finding bid opportunities
• Researching past purchases
• SB/DVBE Advocates
• Commercially Useful Function
• Multiple Q&As

Wayne Gross,

Outreach Liaison

CA DGS Office of Small Business & DVBE Services

Wayne Gross has 48 years of customer service skills starting from his early days as a United States Air Force Captain. Wayne currently serves as a Business Outreach Liaison for the State of California Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises. In this role, he educates the business community and ensures that Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) businesses can access their share of state contracts.   

Wayne has received numerous awards for his advocacy and support of SBs and DVBEs seeking to understand and navigate the State’s procurement system. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from Golden Gate University

CA DGS Office of Small Business & DVBE Services (CA DGS OSDS)

www.dgs.ca.gov

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.

This No-Cost Training Event is

Hosted by

Norcal PTAC

Northern California Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Norcal PTAC) is a government-funded nonprofit formed to help small businesses find, bid on, and win contracts with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.

This No-Cost Training Event is

Co-Hosted by

West Business Development Center

www.westcenter.org/

West Business Development Center is a nonprofit, business development organization providing no cost business advisory services and workshops to rising entrepreneurs and existing small business owners who want to grow their business and create jobs in their communities. With a focus on startup planning, capital infusion, financial literacy and digital marketing, we help business owners succeed in business.

Economic Development & Financing Corp.

www.edfc.org/

EDFC provides alternative financing opportunities for entrepreneurs in Mendocino and Lake Counties. In 2013 EDFC was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). As an alternative financer, EDFC has the flexibility necessary to help fill the gap. Through our loan programs and professional services, EDFC is here to partner with the community to create a long-lasting sustainable future.