201 GREAT IDEAS for Your SMALL BUSINESS, Third Edition

GREAT 129 IDEA: Market to Uncle Sam and Other Agencies

There is no recession when it comes to Uncle Sam. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services, so why not get in line?

“Almost all large contractors have a mandate to reach out to work with smaller contractors,” said Vicki Garcia, a marketing consultant who has a contract with the airport authority to help small businesses become subcontractors on the San Diego airport expansion project.

Garcia helps business owners understand the somewhat complicated process. First, she said, you have to be certified as a historically underserved business enterprise (HUBE). Most minority, veteran, or woman-owned businesses will qualify for this designation, so check with your city ...