Felicia WatlingtonSupplier Diversity Works LLC make mine a million $ business powered by: count me in

My Daily Blog

1. YESToolkit.com Subscriber Update - Second Stimulus and Small Biz Ideas

   July 30, 2009

   Felicia Watlington

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2. 7.23.09 YESToolkit.com Subscriber Update - 8(a) Certification

   July 23, 2009

   Felicia Watlington

   July 23, 2009 YESToolkit.com Update – 8(a) Certification Dear YESToolkit.com Subscribers, Today I attended a three hour training class on the 8(a) federal business development program, as sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration.  The training was conducted by Archie Black, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) represented for the Charlotte NC area (see page 17 of the YESToolkit.com e-book for a link to locate the PTAC in your area). The role of these individuals is to help small biz owners get government contracts, so this is a good person to know.I will be glad to share the entire PPT with you once Archie forwards it to the attendees, but here are some brief salient points: Eligible businesses for the 8(a) business development program are operated, controlled, and owned 51% by socially (as determined by the traditional ethnic minority groupings) and economically disadvantaged individual(s).  Economic disadvantage is defined as less than $250,000 in net income.   Businesses must be in operation for 2 years; the two year minimum can be waived if certain specific conditions are met.  Individuals who don’t meet the socially disadvantaged criteria can provide a narrative/evidence of how they have suffered social disadvantage, for possible acceptance/certification as 8(a) certified firms. The 8(a) application is not for the faint of heart.  There is a LOT of information that is required and the applicant must demonstrate potential for success (business plan, financial capability, managerial/technical expertise, past contract performance etc.).  Individuals need to really consider how the program can benefit them.  Although there is no application fee, there are still significant resources required for the 9 year program (application and participation).  The program involves SBA oversight/reporting, training, business development, aggressive marketing by the business and other expectations of the business once accepted.  Although there are 8(a) sole source contract opportunities/set-asides, there is no guarantee of business/contracts.  I asked Archie: “Once a business has determined that they can reasonably meet the selection criteria, what is the best way to judge whether there is adequate (potential) return on investment/business opportunities, etc. to warrant pursuing the 8(a) certification?”  Archie confirmed what I was thinking:  the business owner can search https://www.fpds.gov to access past opportunities for their area of focus as well as review procurement forecasts for specific agencies, to gauge the size and type of business opportunities. Again, Archie echoed what I have continually preached – the need to focus your time and efforts on a few select agencies, learn their needs/pain points, and market aggressively. On another note, I am continuing to compile ideas regarding how to stimulate the economy from a small biz perspective.  If you’ve not already done so, please feel free to share your thoughts.   You can use the table below and send by return e-mail; felicia@supplierdiversityworks.com).  I will compile this info for us to use as we see fit in contacting our elected officials, regarding a possible 2nd stimulus package.  I hope to have a compilation by next week’s update.  Questions or concerns just let me know.  Specific Small Biz Idea for Economic StimulusYour Name (or be anonymous)Your Firm (or be anonymous)      (Add more rows as necessary.)    IMPORTANT REMINDER:We have a new service in beta-test mode for YESToolkit.com subscribers only – targeted stimulus contract opportunity notices.  Just click (for YESToolkit.com subscribers only), read and follow the instructions, and complete the brief form.  We have already started delivering these targeted updates (including information technology, professional and administrative services, electric wire and power and distribution, to name a few). Don’t miss out - be sure to complete the brief form at (for YESToolkit.com subscribers only) today.  Also, I welcome and encourage any feedback that can help us improve – just let me know. LAST NOTE – we will be conducting free stimulus webinars at the end of the month.  Click: www.supplierdiversityworks.com/stimulus_teleclass for more information and to register.  We are offering a lot of valuable information to help small biz owners access stimulus revenues, so please try to attend if it will benefit you and share with others who may benefit. .

3. Second Stimulus? Let Your Voice Be Heard!

   July 16, 2009

   Felicia Watlington

   (July 15, 2009 YESToolkit.com Subscriber Update)As I reported last week, concern continues regarding the pace of stimulus spending (that is, not fast enough). In some cases, federal agencies report that the bulk of funds have been distributed to the states, but red tape and the bottleneck of disbursements to states for further distribution continues.  Also, as I mentioned last week, there has been talk of a second stimulus; however, no decisions have been made. As a concerned small business citizen, I think that you and I should proactively seek to influence a second round of stimulus to our benefit, if it indeed occurs.  You may recall that in the YESToolkit.com e-book, I encouraged you to reach out to your elected officials while the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was under debate (the e-book also includes links to all elected officials, see page 19, Section VI, Attachments).  I plan to contact my elected officials and weigh-in on the needs of small business owners and our role in job creation/economic stimulus.   Here is what I’m thinking:  what if I compiled a list of specific suggestions and ideas from you and every other YESToolkit.com subscriber and you and I provided this information to our elected officials around the country?  Think that would get their attention?  There is strength in numbers!!! Here is what I respectfully request of you – send me your ideas to stimulate the economy from your unique small biz perspective (you can use the table below and send by return e-mail: felicia@supplierdiversityworks.com).  I will compile this info for you and I to use as we see fit in contacting our elected officials.  I would like your input by Wednesday, July 22, 2009.   Questions or concerns just let me know.  Specific Small Biz Idea for Economic StimulusYour Name (or be anonymous)Your Firm (or be anonymous)      (Add more rows as necessary.)     I will also be glad to share the letter that I draft as a template for you to use as you see fit.    IMPORTANT REMINDER:We have a new service in beta-test mode for YESToolkit.com subscribers only – targeted stimulus contract opportunity notices.  Just click (for YESToolkit.com subscribers only), read and follow the instructions, and complete the brief form.  We have already started delivering these updates – don’t miss out!  Also, I welcome and encourage any feedback that can help us improve – just let me know. LAST NOTE – we will be conducting free stimulus webinars at the end of the month.  Click: www.supplierdiversityworks.com/stimulus_teleclass for more information and to register.  We are offering a lot of valuable information to help small biz owners access stimulus revenues, so please try to attend if it will benefit you and share with others who may benefit. .

4. State of Stimulus and Targeted Stimulus Contract Opportunities, No additional cost

   July 9, 2009

   Felicia Watlington

   July 9, 2009 YESToolkit.com Subscriber UpdateThe general consensus of is that stimulus spending is “slightly ahead of estimates”, with $29 billion distributed to state governments through mid-June.  Unfortunately, this spending spree seems to be having minimal impact upon job creation, although some think it is too soon to tell.  Significant allocations thus far have been to states for education and health-care related grants and funds for state budget shortfalls.  As unemployment rates continue to rise, there is even talk about a second stimulus package.  In my view, the implication for small biz owners is to ramp up our efforts to access stimulus contracts.  After all, small business is the driving force for job creation in our country.  In light of that, I am pleased to announce a new offering, in beta-test mode, to provide ongoing updates regarding stimulus-related contract opportunities for current YESToolkit.com subscribers.  Since you are an “early adopter”, I want to thank you for your support by offering this service to you at no charge.  In return, I welcome your feedback for continuous improvement and I request that you share this information with others.    P.S. If you missed last week’s “Gain Stimulus Revenues, Plan for Success” Teleclass, please visit http://www.supplierdiversityworks.com/stimulus_success.  Don’t miss the info about our new Stimulus MasterMind Teleclass Series that can help you develop and implement your customized strategic action plan to access stimulus revenues.  Feel free to take advantage of the special money-saving credits, which expire this Friday, July 10, 2009, 12 midnight EDT.  Also, be sure to share this info with a friend who may benefit.

5. YESToolkit.com Subscriber Update - Stimulus Status/Free Targeted Stimulus Contract Opportunities

   July 9, 2009

   Felicia Watlington

   July 9, 2009The general consensus of is that stimulus spending is “slightly ahead of estimates”, with $29 billion distributed to state governments through mid-June.  Unfortunately, this spending spree seems to be having minimal impact upon job creation, although some think it is too soon to tell.  Significant allocations thus far have been to states for education and health-care related grants and funds for state budget shortfalls.  As unemployment rates continue to rise, there is even talk about a second stimulus package.  In my view, the implication for small biz owners is to ramp up our efforts to access stimulus contracts.  After all, small business is the driving force for job creation in our country.  In light of that, I am pleased to announce a new offering, in beta-test mode, to provide ongoing updates regarding stimulus-related contract opportunities for current YESToolkit.com subscribers.  Since you are an “early adopter”, I want to thank you for your support by offering this service to you at no charge.  In return, I welcome your feedback for continuous improvement and I request that you share this information with others.    P.S. If you missed last week’s “Gain Stimulus Revenues, Plan for Success” Teleclass, please visit http://www.supplierdiversityworks.com/stimulus_success.  Don’t miss the info about our new Stimulus MasterMind Teleclass Series that can help you develop and implement your customized strategic action plan to access stimulus revenues.  Feel free to take advantage of the special money-saving credits, which expire this Friday, July 10, 2009, 12 midnight EDT.  Also, be sure to share this info with a friend who may benefit.