Thinking certifications only matter in federal contracting? Think again.
If you’ve dipped a toe into government procurement, you might be familiar with federal programs like SBA 8a certification or women owned small business certification. But when you shift your focus to the SLED market (state, local, and education agencies), you’re playing by a different, often more flexible, set of rules.
This episode breaks down how certifications like MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WBE (Women Business Enterprise), DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise), HUB (Historically Underutilized Business), and SDVBE/VBE function in state and local government.
We explain the key distinction: SLED programs are typically goal-driven, not full set-asides. Your certification is rarely the gatekeeper to eligibility; instead, it's a powerful competitive advantage.
Tune in to learn how SLED certifications can directly impact your bottom line:
We also share actionable steps for success: You'll discover why you need to apply locally—even if you hold a federal certification; why aligning your NAICS codes and local commodity codes is crucial for discoverability; and how to effectively market your certification advantage to SLED buyers.
If you are a women business certification holder or have disabled veteran small business certification, SLED contracts may not be as massive as federal work, but they are often easier to win, renew, and grow. Learn how to leverage this flexibility and focus on relationship-building to unlock more government contracting opportunities.
