LOS ANGELES—Small businesses are one key way to put people back to work in America, which is why American Express OPEN hosted its free event, Grow Your Business through Government Contracting, on Sept. 21. The event is part of the company’s Victory in Procurement Program, which is dedicated to helping small businesses access and win government contracts.
In a statement from Susan Sobbott, president of American Express OPEN, she noted, “With consumer and business spending still sluggish, doing business with the federal [and local] government presents a unique opportunity to small businesses.” She said that this will help companies stabilize their cash flows and employee base in the current economy.
Karen-Michelle Mirko, director of Customer Advocacy at American Express OPEN, said, “Thanks to significant changes in federal policy this year, small businesses have a greater chance to win government contracts—now more than ever. The American Express OPEN’s ‘Victory in Procurement’ program is helping business owners get their full share of contracts so they can fuel their business, create new jobs, and help stimulate our country’s economy.”
Contracts Are Available
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and very innovative,” Mirko said. “The federal government has set aside approximately $100,000,000,000 for small business contracts.” The problem is letting businesses know that these are available and how to procure them. 
Many states and other levels of government also are looking to support their local small businesses with contract opportunities. Among those present at the forum were Los Angeles, City of Long Beach, Los Angeles County, Caltrans, and others.
AMEX has been doing this type of training since the end of 2008 because of the deep impact the economic downturn was having on small businesses.
A total of 610 business owners came to the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles for the one-day immersion into the “how and why” of procuring contracts with various government entities. These businessmen learned how government contracting can grow their businesses and help stabilize their cash flow—a “must-have” in the current economy. The main presentations covered how to do business with governments at all levels.
The event provided checklists and guidelines for required documentation, registration of the company, and its past performance summary, among other things. A clear message was that doing business with the government is not as difficult as many had believed.
Attendees were able to meet with 18 government representatives, giving private sector businessmen a chance discuss face-to-face what services or products were needed by government and how the businessmen could provide their solutions and services.
Business owner Jim Stephens, CEO and founder of Fleetcare International, was able to seal a deal at the forum. “I just signed a preliminary contract with three five-year renewals from a large California city!”
“This is not typical, but apparently, when a municipality sees an opportunity that makes sense, things happen,” said Merko.
Several local Chambers of Commerce also attended. They will be training their own members in this process and the nuances involved in government contracting using the materials provided and contacts made.
These AMEX events are open to anyone who wants to attend.
During the past year, American Express OPEN has held similar contract trainings for businessmen and government representatives in Chicago, Ill., New York, N.Y., and Miami, Fla.
The next training will be in Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 18. Business owners can register for free at www.vipgovtcontracting.com.
