News Summary

• Small businesses often look locally for customers, but the federal government can be your client too.
• The government tries to make sure 23% of federal contracting dollars go to small businesses.
• Check with the Small Business Administration to see if there are certifications for certain “set asides” that can improve your odds.
• Sometimes it’s worth losing a little money in order to win your first contract, says Darrell McGraw, founder of Q2 Consulting Solutions in Washington, D.C.