CSU Bakersfield SBDCServing Inyo, Kern, and Mono Counties.
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Small business owners may be eligible for certifications that can give access to federal government contracts and getting certified is free. Joshua Howk, Business Opportunity Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Fresno District Office joins SBDC director Kelly Bearden in this week’s free webinar. Howk discusses how the SBA works with federal agencies to award 23 percent of prime government contracts to certified small businesses, the process and requirements for certification, and where to apply.

This marks the 334th episode of the “Webinar Wednesday” business series that provides news and information helpful to employers and business owners.

The CSU Bakersfield SBDC provides free one-on-one help to small business owners. New and existing businesses can sign up to meet with a business advisor at no cost by clicking here!
 
TIMESTAMPS  Note: the bold blue timestamp below is a direct link to when Joshua Howk, Business Opportunity Specialist with SBA begins his presentation federal government certifications.
00:00 Intro
00:45 Kelly introduces special guest, Derrick Hu, Deputy Director for the Office of Small Business Programs, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAWCWD)
1:46 Derek begins to discuss upcoming procurements with NAWCWD and the long-range acquisition forecast
07:04 What’s up today February 5, 2025
09:28 SBA Disaster and Recovery Program Loan Limits and options SBA website for disaster relief https://lending.sba.gov/
11:01 Funding Contracts, Acquisitions, and Procurement
13:31 SBDC Tools to assist your business success!
14:18 CSUB SBDC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@csubsbdc
14:41 Free Human Resources Hotline for Employers
15:33 Kelly introduces Joshua Howk, Business Opportunity Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Fresno District Office
18:11 Statistics of U.S. Government spent $178 billion on small businesses goods and services
19:41 U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs – Learn about what the VA buys https://pathfinder.va.gov/info/sell
20:34 Example – What VA spent on what was spent for certain medical services and sub-categories
21:39 Is Your Business Ready for the scope of a government contract?
23:09 System for Award Management https://sam.gov/
23:56 SAM.gov Opportunities Portal https://sam.gov/opportunities
25:04 Am I a Small Business? - SBA Size Standards Tool https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/size-standards...
26:38 Business Development and Contracting Assistance Programs
28:18 Women Owned Small Business
30:12 Veteran Owned Small Business
30:42 MySBA Certifications https://certifications.sba.gov/
31:47 MySBA Certifications homepage – Joshua goes through each page
32:19 MySBA Certifications - Should I Apply? https://certifications.sba.gov/should-i-apply/ownership
38:44 LA and Ventura Counties – SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center locations https://appointment.sba.gov/
41:29 Kelly rejoins Joshua for discussion
41:44 Questions and Answers with webinar attendees
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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the California SBDC closest to you.