The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is offering free training workshops for small businesses who are interested in expanding their business through government contracting. Participants will learn the basics of government contracting from 30-year veteran, Mary Jo Juarez, and Susan Veach, Consultant and President of Accountability Plus, Inc., and various subject matter experts.

Free training opportunities are funded through the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program which helps companies find and successfully achieve contracts for work with the local, state and federal governments.

Pre-registration is required for all events. Visit kitsapeda.org/ptac for details. All classes take place at KEDA, 4312 Kitsap Way #103, Bremerton, Washington.

Upcoming workshops:

April 30, 9 to 11 a.m. – Line Cards & Capability Statements: Learn about marketing your business to the government and how to create effective Line Cards & Capability Statements.

May 20, 3 to 5 p.m. – State M/WBE  (Minority & Women Owned Business) Certification Workshop. Sarah Erdmann, assistant director of operations for the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise will conduct a workshop on OWMBE state certification. Hands-on assistance will be offered to those seeking certification.

May 21, 9 to 11 a.m. – Government Contracting 101: A general overview of how the federal, state and local government buys goods and services. Additional topics include governmental registrations, market research on what the government buys, marketing and selling your products and services, how government agencies advertise their procurements, how to locate subcontracting opportunities with government prime contractors and much more.  May 28, 9 to 11 a.m. – Accounting for Subcontractors – Part 1 of 3 part series: Learn about the accounting methods that need to be in place and executed to insure timely payments and compliance. (Part 2  is on Sept. 10,  and Part 3 is Nov. 19.)   June 24, 4 to 6 p.m. Prime Outreach: Being a Subcontractor – Part 1 of 3 part series: This is a great opportunity for your company to connect with and learn from a prime contractor who is experienced on major milcon projects at Naval Base Kitsap. This Prime Outreach event will teach you how to become a subcontractor and work effectively with the prime. Past participants in similar classes not only gained valuable insights but also established an invaluable relationship with the prime. Part 2 is July 30, Part 3 is Sept. 3)

June 25, 9 to 11 a.m. – Social Media for Government Contracting: Expanding Your Marketing: Using social media for marketing can enable small business looking to further their reach to more customers. Learn about the various social media platforms, when and how to use them.