Happy New Year 🎉Everyone 🎉

Why Government Contracting Feels Harder Than It Should Most businesses don’t struggle in government contracting because they lack skill or experience. They struggle because the system isn’t intuitive. Common issues I see come up again and again: Not knowing which opportunities actually fit their business Confusion around set-aside programs and eligibility Uncertainty about what agencies expect to see in a capability statement Feeling “registered” but not truly prepared Set-asides are meant to level the playing field, yet many businesses don’t know which category they qualify for or how to position themselves within it. Capability statements are required, but few people are taught how to communicate their value in government language. The work is often familiar. The process is what creates the barrier. Which part of GovCon has felt the most confusing for you so far, set-asides, capability statements, or simply knowing where to start?

A business plan is most effective when it’s aligned with your GovCon strategy. This includes identifying the right NAICS codes, set-aside categories, target agencies, and contract types. Alignment reduces wasted effort and increases focus on opportunities that truly fit. Is your business plan aligned with the type of government work you want to pursue?

Many small businesses think they need large past performance to break into GovCon. In reality, experience is often built through smaller scopes, subcontracting roles, and being positioned correctly from the start. Progress comes faster when businesses understand how to enter strategically instead of guessing. What kind of GovCon experience are you hoping to build first—prime or subcontracting?

A strong GovCon website quietly answers the questions agencies and primes ask: What do you do? Who do you serve? Are you compliant? Could you let me know if you are organized? If those answers aren’t clear online, opportunities can pass by unnoticed. Keeping a website updated as your government contracting (GovCon) journey evolves is part of staying prepared. If an agency reviewed your site today, would it clearly explain your capabilities?