Category: Blog
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Why Many Small Businesses Never Win Government Funding: They Never Apply
One of the biggest reasons small businesses do not win government funding is simple: they never apply. That may sound obvious, but it is a real barrier. Many startups and small businesses are strong candidates for government contracts, grants, SBIR/STTR programs, or other non-dilutive funding opportunities. They have relevant technology. They have real technical expertise.…
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Set-Aside Certifications: What They Are, What They’re Worth, and What to Do After You Have One
If you run a small business and you’ve heard the term ‘set-aside certification’ in govcon but aren’t entirely sure what it means or whether it applies to you – this post is for you. And if you’re already certified and wondering why the contracts still aren’t coming, keep reading. Set-aside certifications are one of the…
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What I would do differently: Hard-Won Strategic Advice for SBIR and Government Contract Applicants
“What would you do differently on your government contracts, and how would you be more strategic about them in hindsight?” A client asked me this question this week, and I suspect it’s one many founders have – whether they’re mid-submission or just starting to think seriously about government funding for the first time. I’ve personally…
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SBIR Is Back – And It’s Time to Start Planning Now
If you’ve been waiting on SBIR, I have good news: the programs are officially back. On April 13, 2026, the President signed S. 3971 – the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act – into law, reauthorizing both SBIR and STTR through September 30, 2031. After a six-and-a-half month lapse that started when the programs…
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New to Government Contracting? Here Are the Basics to Get Started
One of the most common things I hear from founders and technical leads when the topic of government contracts comes up is some version of: “We’d love to pursue it, but we don’t even know where to start.” And honestly, that’s a completely fair response. The barrier to entry in government contracting isn’t just about…
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From Aerospace to Proposal Arc: Why I Started Helping Companies Win Government Funding
For the past 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on complex aerospace programs, from multinational corporations to early-stage startups. A big part of that world involves government funding, SBIRs, and contracts that can make or break a company’s trajectory. Government contracts can provide non-dilutive funding and early revenue pre-production, it can accelerate your…
