@Elkeno Janes the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a GREAT starting point then to APEX…as those orgs explained to me…both are great but the SBDC is especially great for newcomers and APEX takes it up a notch for those with a bit more experience. Also, the GSA Customer Service Directors are a great resource. All have been wonderful resources. Good luck, prayers and blessings to you!

Fabulous | Congratulations !!

very well done; so appreciate everyone

Hi, I worked in higher Ed for a decade and for some nonprofits…also, I’ve done grant writing…took courses from Ed2Go but mostly OJT. Look for templates; a lot of info is repeatable. Also, a lot of grant orgs/companies/programs use a ‘general’ application form. Research that aspect, try to complete one, it’s a great learning experience. Winning grants are often based on great ‘storytelling’ skills , emotion, evidence, and planning. Certifications help convey professional competency but not always required. Some professional associations offer membership scholarships so you can join and take their classes/access resources. https://www.nonprofitready.org/grant-writing-classes https://volunteer.wv.gov/News/Pages/Volunteer-WV-Wednesday-Schedule.aspx -November class found for the volunteer.WC.gov link Chatgpt or Bard (AI) could help learning process https://www.udemy.com/course/juststartgrantwriting/ -sometimes you can apply for a scholarship to cover courses such as udemy https://openlearning.mit.edu/news/mit-offers-over-2000-free-online-courses-here-are-13-best-one -check out open learning programs offered by universities; not sure if MIT has what you want but the courses such as these are excellent. You don’t get a grade/certificate usually but can learn from some of the best -try your local community colleges adult education programs; classes are ‘free’ and paid for by taxpayer dollars…I earned a great project management certificate this way.

Possible Resources: For State of CA…I mostly use SCPRS. Other States may offer similar resources. https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List-Folder/SCPRS-CSCR-Historical-Contracts-Data Labor rates and pricing tools: https://buy.gsa.gov/pricing/ -CALC + Quick Rate -PET RESOURCE TOOL We used the CALC tool to learn more about labor rates for categories (LCATS) for GSA MAS Schedule negotiations.