John Tamble knows that small business owners are leery about trying to do business with the government.
He should. He used to be a government procurement agent.
These days, Tamble is helping small business owners negotiate the government contract maze as manager of the procurement technical assistance program for the Snohomish County Economic Development Council.
And he’s now expanding his counseling role through a partnership with the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce. Twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, Tamble will meet with small business owners for one-on-one counseling on getting government business.
The chamber’s president, Louise Stanton-Masten, said the program is designed to help chamber members be more successful. But she noted that the free advice will be available to all small business owners, not just chamber members.
“It can really have a positive impact on a small business,” she said. “They may not be aware of what’s available.”
Tamble gave the example of a recent client, a small painting company, whose owners were intimidated by the government procurement process. With Tamble’s help, they recently won a government painting contract.
“It’s a small contract, but that meant the world to them,” he said.” If they perform well, they can utilize that for future procurements.”
Tamble said numerous government programs target specific businesses. For example, contracts under $100,000 are supposed to go to small businesses.
Other special categories include women-owned businesses, veterans with service-related disabilities who own small businesses, and businesses located in what’s called an underutilized business zone.
Tamble said he likes to talk to business owners to determine their goals and marketing plans, look at their products or services and see if they fall into any special categories. All that information is free, as is helping a business file the right paperwork.
“I provide assistance so they can enter a competitive bid and win the award,” Tamble said. “We get you connected to the opportunity. I feel really comfortable in sitting down, going over a proposal and explaining the terms and conditions.
Businesses that would like to search for government contracts can also pay an annual fee of $100 fee and get set up with a system that refers them to government contracts for jobs that match their capabilities and services.
“I consider this a huge referral system,” Stanton-Masten said. “And what I’m hearing more and more from members is that referrals are critical to their success.”
Anyone interested in meeting with Tamble can call the chamber at 425-247-3222 to schedule an appointment.
Business help for veterans
Programs that help small businesses owned by veterans will be the topic of a conference 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Emerald Downs in Auburn.
The program is designed to help veterans learn of the special opportunities available for doing business with the government, especially disabled veterans. It will also provide a chance for business owners to network with prime contractors and agency representatives. For more information, or to register, call the Snohomish County Economic Development Council at 425-743-4567.
Business help for veterans
Programs that help small businesses owned by veterans will be the topic of a conference 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Emerald Downs in Auburn.
The program is designed to help veterans learn of the special opportunities available for doing business with the government, especially disabled veterans. It will also provide a chance for business owners to network with prime contractors and agency representatives. For more information, or to register, call the Snohomish County Economic Development Council at 425-743-4567.
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