Startup Cafe

About this event

Startup Cafe is a great opportunity for founders and startup partners to connect, learn, and level up. Free coffee and donuts throughout the event! Feel free to drop by for 10 minutes or stay the entire time...all are welcome!

Agenda

• 9:00am - 12:00pm: Networking

• 9:30am - 10:15am: " Wait, Government Buys That?"

Presentation: Wait, Government Buys That?

This month, join us for a look at a revenue source that many small businesses overlook: government contracts. Public agencies buy far more than most people realize. Recent opportunities have included:

• Packaged goods and products for state park gift shops

• Peanut butter, pickles, poultry, and franks for the Department of Corrections

• Campus snack vending machines

• Learning management system (LMS) platforms

• Commercial printing and mailing services

• Child care center management and operation

• Compliance consulting, including ADA compliance

• Training videos

• Executive search and recruiting

If you've ever wondered whether government could be a customer for your business, this session is for you.

We'll hear from representatives of three organizations that help Oregon businesses win public contracts:

• Noelle Scott, State of Oregon Procurement Services (DAS) : How the state buys, and what kinds of contracts are out there

• Nada Maisse, Oregon APEX Accelerator : Free, hands-on help finding opportunities and preparing competitive proposals

• Darren Spencer, Business Oregon Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) : Certifications that can make your business more competitive

Together, they'll walk us through:

• The surprising variety of goods and services government buys

• How to find contract opportunities that fit your business

• Which certifications can give you an edge, and how to get them

• Where to go for help, from registering as a vendor to submitting your proposal

Whether you sell products, offer services, or are simply curious whether this could work for you, this session is designed to demystify government contracting and help you take your next step with confidence.

After the session, the space stays open until noon for networking and community building. Come for the contracting info, stay for the connections. We hope to see you there!

Brought to you by: