Procurement Readiness for Small Business
Procurement readiness for small business is essential. Government and corporate contracts can be game-changers for small businesses, but the requirements that come with them catch a lot of owners off guard. If you have been thinking about going after bigger contracts but are not sure where to start or what you might be missing, this is for you.
What to Have in Place Before Pursuing Bigger Contracts
Procurement Readiness for Small Business
Government and corporate contracts can be game-changers for small businesses, but the requirements that come with them catch a lot of owners off guard. If you have been thinking about going after bigger contracts but are not sure where to start or what you might be missing, this is for you.
We will walk through what buyers and procurement officers actually look for, the documentation and certifications you should have in place, and how to honestly assess whether your business is ready. You will leave knowing exactly where you stand and what to do next so you can pursue bigger opportunities with confidence instead of guesswork.
Meet the Experts
Gladys Castro
Gladys is a business credit advisor with 9+ years of experience. She helps entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses by helping them access capital, including loans. She supports business owners in both English & Spanish.
Stay in touch with Gladys:
Dee Clemmons
Hon. Dometrice “Dee” Clemmons is an accomplished executive, former elected official, entrepreneur, and government relations professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning business ownership, public service, economic development, higher education, and community engagement.
A two-term former Henry County Commissioner and longtime entrepreneur, Dee brings a unique understanding of both sides of the procurement process—how government and institutions make decisions and how small businesses position themselves to compete for opportunities. Through DCL Public Private Solutions Group, she works at the intersection of government, business, and community, helping organizations build strategic partnerships and navigate public-sector opportunities.
Dee also serves as a small-business advisor with Accion Opportunity Fund, supporting entrepreneurs with business development, access to capital, growth strategies, and organizational readiness. Her government and external-relations experience includes work with municipalities, higher education institutions, professional firms, and community organizations.
A graduate of Spelman College with a Master of Arts in Leadership from Beulah Heights University and executive leadership training from Harvard Business School, Dee is also a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. She brings practical experience, relationships, and a business owner’s perspective to helping small businesses better understand procurement and position themselves for sustainable growth.
Stay in touch with Dee:
- Schedule a free session with Dee
- Follow Dee on LinkedIn
Topics Discussed Include
- What does being truly procurement ready for larger corporate or government contracts look like for small business owners?
- What are some of the first things an established business owner should assess before deciding they’re ready to pursue larger contracts?
- What are some of the core documents, systems, or information a business should have organized and ready before they start pursuing these opportunities?
- Is there a quick way for someone to self-check where they are at in terms of procurement readiness?
- How should a business owner prioritize what to work on first instead of trying to fix everything at once?
- Certifications come up constantly when people talk about procurement. How can business owners determine which certifications actually make sense for the types of opportunities they want to pursue?
- What are some common misunderstandings about certifications, especially the idea that becoming certified automatically leads to contracts?
- Before taking on a significantly larger contract, what should an owner asses around staffing, cash flow, operations, and their ability to actually deliver?
- When an opportunity comes across someone’s desk, what are the first things you recommend they look at to determine, “Yes, this is worth pursuing,” versus “This probably isn’t the right opportunity for us”?
- How should a business owner approach the financial side of a larger contract, especially if they have to spend money, hire, purchase inventory, or complete work before they actually get paid?
- For a business that has experience and a strong track record but hasn’t won a major contract yet, what are some practical ways they can strengthen their positioning and demonstrate that they’re capable of doing the work?
- What should owners consider when deciding whether a contract actually supports their larger business goals? Bigger revenue does not always mean a better business opportunity.
Additional Procurement Readiness Resources
