By Bob Barragan
Item Contributor
HUNTSVILLE —
Small business owners often make the mistake of overlooking state and federal government agencies as a potential market for their product or service. The old saying "the best client to sell to is your current client" is very true, but with the competitive environment that most business people are operating in today, no possibility of a sale should be overlooked, especially since most government organizations buy everything from automobiles to zippers.
There is a current push for many state and federal agencies to concentrate on buying their needed supplies and services from small business persons, women owned businesses and minority owned businesses. Two large state agencies are currently headquartered in Huntsville - Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Both agencies are making a concerted effort to target small and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) in order to purchase from them. HUB is a designation by the state of Texas given to businesses that are owned and operated by women or minorities. There are certain requirements that must be met for a business to sell to the state, but both agencies are willing to help and are actively trying to attract new vendors.
On March 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., SHSU Purchasing Department, SHSU Small Business Development Center, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Walker County, and the City of Huntsville will host the 14th Annual Vendor/HUB Show in the Walker County Storm Shelter located at 455 State Highway 75 North in Huntsville.
This year the HUB/Vendor Show will feature two training sessions entitled “HUB Procurement Resources” given by Paul Gibson, Statewide HUB Program Manager and “How to do Business” given by Billie Smith with the City of Huntsville.
To register for these seminars, please contact the SHSU SBDC at (936) 294-3737. If you are interested in attending the HUB/Vendor Show as an observer to determine if this market is right for your small business, please call Stephanie (936) 436-7067.
These entities buy large quantities of products and services and are looking to expand their HUB participation, so just one state or government contract can make a significant difference to a small business.
Buyers from these and other government entities will explain what types of products are needed by their agency to the vendors. These buyers will also be gathering information on the products and services offered by the vendors that can be utilized by state and local governments.
SHSU SBDC consultants will be happy to help you become HUB certified or learn how to sell to the government with only an investment of time and a phone call to (936) 294-3737 for an appointment.
