Office of Small Business and DVBE Services

“2024 Latina BizCon” hosted by National Latina Business Women Association - Inland Empire Institute (NLBWA-IE)    Date: Thursday, October 31, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.    Registration: https://lnkd.in/g_dfkJUA        “How to Do Business with the State of CA” hosted by Norcal APEX Accelerator    Date: Tuesday, November 5, from 10 - 11 a.m.    Registration: https://lnkd.in/gtQ5qj9g       "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Sacramento" hosted by California Department of General Services   Date: Wednesday, November 6, from 10 a.m. - noon   Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz     "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Oakland" hosted by California Department of General Services   Date: Thursday, November 7, from 10 a.m. - noon   Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz     “Contracting Opportunities: Emergency Disaster and Local Opportunities” hosted by Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network Date: Thursday, November 7, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.    Registration: https://lnkd.in/gkdBQbZH        “Small Business Expo IV” hosted by SBDC North San Diego County  Date: Thursday, November 7, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.    Registration: https://lnkd.in/gRq9ANDq       “Get in The Game OneLA Procurement Fair” hosted by Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce   Date: Thursday, November 7, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.    Registration: https://lnkd.in/gsbF_Qfh      "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Fresno" hosted by California Department of General Services   Date: Friday, November 8, from 10 a.m. - noon   Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz      “I'm Certified. Now What?” workshop hosted by San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce   Date: Tuesday, November 12, from 3 – 4 p.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/eY6z88zX   "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Eureka" hosted by California Department of General Services   Date: Tuesday, November 12, from 10 a.m. - noon   Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz   "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.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz   "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Virtual 2" hosted by California Department of General Services   Date: Thursday, November 14, from 10 a.m. - noon   Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz   #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #WednesdayWatchlist     

California Department of General Services together with our partner Sacramento Public Agency Consortium were excited to welcome over 100 small businesses and nearly 40 Sacramento area government agencies and resource partners to the “2024 Connecting Point”  outreach and education event.  Thanks to the Sacramento region’s small and diverse business community for participating and making this a successful event. Attendees listened to a panel discussion on upcoming procurement opportunities and learned about free business services available to help position their company for success. The government agency and partner expo offered small, diverse business owners to opportunity to network and connect with public procurement agents and local resource partners.  Office of Small Business and DVBE Services is proud to collaborate with SacPAC agencies and organizations SMUD Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Sacramento County Caltrans District 3 California Capital APEX Accelerators Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Sacramento SCORE Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce SBA Sacramento District Office.  #SmallBusiness #DVBE #Networking #Procurement #SacPAC #OSDSOutreach #Sacramento 

Unlocking Opportunities: The Benefits of Certification! Are you considering becoming a Certified #SmallBusiness (SB) or a Certified #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise (DVBE)?  Here’s why certification could work to help your company grow and diversify revenues.   • Bid Preferences: As a certified SB, you receive a 5% bid preference on contracts when competing against non-certified businesses. As a certified DVBE, you receive up to a 5% bid incentive, giving you a competitive edge in the bidding process. BONUS: If you have both an SB and DVBE certification you can apply both the bid preference and incentive – so up to 10% bid preference!  • Exclusive Contract Access: Certification opens doors to contracts reserved for certified businesses. For purchases between $4,999.99 and $249,999.99 buyers can us the SB/DVBE option. This requires buyers obtain only two quotes – meaning less competition for you! If you're not certified, you’ll miss out on these opportunities.  • Prompt Payment Act: Enjoy the advantages higher late interest penalties payments on undisputed invoices if not paid within 45 days.   • Reciprocity with Local Agencies: Your state certification is recognized by various cities, counties, and local utilities who are our Reciprocity Partners. This partnership makes it easier for you to do business with them and expands your potential client base.  • Subcontracting Advantage: As a certified SB or DVBE you have a value add when subcontracting with non-certified or prime contractors. As a subcontractor, your certification benefits can transfer to the prime contractor and can help the contractor meet a 25% or 3% contract purchasing requirement, making your business a more attractive option for partnering.     Are you ready to elevate your business? Reach out for more information on the certification process and how we can support you! 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 BusinessOutreach@dgs.ca.gov.   #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting 

The California Department of General Services Disparity Study business community meetings kick-off tomorrow October 29 in San Diego and on Wednesday October 30 in Los Angeles.  Six in-person and five virtual business community meetings will be held throughout California beginning this week and in November.  What are the meetings about?   These meetings will provide an overview of the Department of General Services 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.  Why does it matter?  The purpose of this study is to assess whether any exclusionary practices have occurred in the state's procurement of goods and services. Specifically, it will examine California’s contracting processes to determine if all businesses, including minority-owned, woman-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and certified small and disabled veteran-owned businesses, have equitable access to state contracting opportunities.     How can you help?   Participate by sharing your contracting and bidding experiences. You can get involved by:  • Attending community meetings  • Completing a business survey  • Joining a virtual one-on-one interview    Your insights are invaluable to this study and will help shape a more equitable future for all California small businesses.  Don’t miss out! There are two business community meetings this week!   • October 29th in San Diego  • October 30th in Los Angeles     Use this link to access the business community meeting calendar and register: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz #California #SmallBusiness #Diversity #DisparityStudy #StateContracting #DVBE #Inclusion #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting 

Caltrans North Region (Districts 1, 2, & 3) in partnership with the California Department of General Services (DGS) are thrilled to announce the “North Region Procurement Fair” is back in-person for the first time since 2019! Join us at the DGS Headquarters Ziggurat building in West Sacramento on November 20, 2024, for an incredible opportunity to connect and learn. Why Attend? Beyond an incredible learning and networking experience, #SmallBusinesses who participate will receive a 90-day priority purchasing preference - a fantastic advantage in securing state contracting! What to Expect: • Insights on how Caltrans sources and purchases goods and services • Information on upcoming bid opportunities • Networking with purchasers and advocates from Caltrans and other state agencies Don’t miss this unique chance to elevate your business and expand your network. We look forward to seeing you there! Date: Wednesday, November 20, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gwNMqqaW #ProcurementFair #Networking #Caltrans #DGS #BusinessOpportunities #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement

“The Connecting Point” hosted by Sacramento Public Agency Consortium   Date: Thursday, October 24, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/gpyU5vff  “Small Business Expo III” hosted by San Diego, Orange, Imperial APEX Accelerator   Date: Thursday, October 24, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/ggxzhDGA  “13th Annual Veteran and Small Business Trade Show” hosted by SOUTHWEST VETERANS' BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER   Date: Thursday, October 24, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/gv3sAAkj   “Access to Capital - Emerging Latina Entrepreneurial & Leadership” hosted by National Latina Business Women Association - Inland Empire Date: Thursday, October 24, from 5 – 7 p.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/gnj4PZem  “Become a Certified Small Business or DVBE” hosted by San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce   Date: Tuesday, October 29, from 3 – 4 p.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/gBHCZjUS "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, San Diego" hosted by California Department of General Services Date: Tuesday, October 29, from 10 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Los Angeles" hosted by California Department of General Services Date: Wednesday, October 30, from 10 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz “2024 Latina BizCon” hosted by National Latina Business Women Association - Inland Empire   Date: Thursday, October 31, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/g_dfkJUA “How to Do Business with the State of CA” hosted by Norcal APEX Accelerator   Date: Tuesday, November 5, from 10 - 11 a.m.   Registration: https://lnkd.in/gtQ5qj9g "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Sacramento" hosted by California Department of General Services Date: Wednesday, November 6, from 10 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Oakland" hosted by California Department of General Services Date: Thursday, November 7, from 10 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz “Contracting Opportunities: Emergency Disaster and Local Opportunities” hosted by Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network Date: Thursday, November 7, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gkdBQbZH “Small Business Expo IV” hosted by SBDC North San Diego County Date: Thursday, November 7, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Registration: https://lnkd.in/gRq9ANDq “Get in The Game OneLA Procurement Fair” hosted by Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Date: Thursday, November 7, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gsbF_Qfh "Procurement and Contracting Disparity Study Meeting, Fresno" hosted by California Department of General Services Date: Friday, November 8, from 10 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/eUjY3tfz #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #WednesdayWatchlist 

Certification FAQs: Your Guide to Success! At the Office of Small Business and DVBE Services we know navigating the certification process can be challenging. To help we've compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive:  • Online Access: Complete your application 24/7, update your information anytime, and recertify easily within 90 days of expiration – all online at caleprocure.ca.gov!  • Application Process: New applicants must first register AND then apply for Certification in Cal eProcure. Registering is simply creating a profile.   • How long will it take to apply: Take your time – make sure to answer each question and upload requested documents. If your session times out simply log back in.   • Save Your Progress: You can save your application at any step and return to it later.  • Documentation Requirements: You will need to upload specific documents for your business. For convenience have your required documents saved as a PDF file and uploaded on your computer before you start your application.   • Certification Timeline: Once the certification application is submitted, you’ll receive your certification number instantly. If anything in the application is missing or requires verification, a Certification Office will email you. Remember to respond! Most applications are denied due to not responsiveness.   • No Fees: Certification with the State of California is completely free!  • Certification Validity: Your certification lasts for two years.  • Need Your Certification Letter?: We can resend it – contact us at OSDSHelp@dgs.ca.gov  Ready to apply for state certification? Visit https://lnkd.in/gsjEUWV to get started! 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 BusinessOutreach@dgs.ca.gov.   #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting 

Join Office of Small Business and DVBE Services, San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network, Southwestern Community College District, San Diego, Orange, Imperial APEX Accelerator and San Diego Women's Business Center this Thursday, October 24 at the San Diego Handlery Hotel for a celebration of National APEX Day.  Entrepreneurs and small business owners won’t want to miss this chance to connect in person with resource partners, lenders, advisors and procurement professionals.     Come learn what it takes to start, maintain and grow your business--from overviews of programs to first steps, credit repair, hot tips and inspirational stories.    Don’t miss this opportunity, get your free ticket now at the link below! bit.ly/SBXIII2024 #sandiego #smallbusiness #smallbizexpo #procurement #sbdc

On Wednesday, Office of Small Business and DVBE Services celebrated 50 years connecting California businesses with state contracting opportunities. More than 200 participants and exhibitors joined us at our West Sacramento headquarters for a day of workshops, informational sessions and networking--as well as closing remarks from California Department of General Services Director Ana Lasso and Secretary of Government Operations Amy Tong.    Thank you to all of the businesses, advocates, and exhibitors that joined us. We are proud of our many decades serving California businesses and excited to continue that partnership in the years ahead! #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement

October is Filipino American History Month, a chance to recognize and honor the enduring history and tradition of California’s Filipino communities. It’s also a chance to acknowledge the immense economic impact of California’s Filipino-owned businesses. Join Office of Small Business and DVBE Services and San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce for a webinar series on how to partner and grow your business with the state.  Check the links below to learn more and register for the upcoming webinar series.    Your Next Client: The State of California webinar -- Tuesday, October 22 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.  https://lnkd.in/gVxa3fkX Become a Certified Small Business or DVBE webinar -- Tuesday, October 29 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.  https://lnkd.in/gBHCZjUS I'm Certified. Now What? webinar -- Tuesday, November 12 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.  https://lnkd.in/geiz8KcD   #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting #GovernmentContracts #StateProcurement