March 2017 - In This Issue:
Marketplace
ABOUT US

The SBTDC/PTAC Program's purpose is to generate employment and improve the general economic condition of the state by assisting  North Carolina companies including those eligible for business development programs for local, state and federal government contracts. We provide procurement technical assistance by offering no-fee and confidential counseling on selling your products and/or services to the appropriate local, state or federal government agency.

THE TEAM
MARK MILLS
PTAC Program Director
919.600.6096


GEORGE GRIFFIN

PTAC Counselor 
Greensboro / Winston-Salem
336.256.9302


REBECCA BARBOUR

PTAC Counselor
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
919.513.0623


NICK ECONOMOU

PTAC Counselor 
Charlotte
704.687.0443
 
 
TERRY STROUD
PTAC Counselor 
Fayetteville / Pembroke
910.672.1352


ARIANA BILLINGSLEY

PTAC Counselor 
Elizabeth City / Greenville / Wilmington
252.737.1369


NOAH ROBINS

PTAC Counselor 
Cullowhee / Asheville / Boone / Hickory
828.232.2290


ADDITIONAL SBTDC RESOURCES
ACCELERATE: A BLOG FOR CEOs OF MID-SIZED FIRMS
SBTDC's Strategy and Growth Services blog, Accelerate, helps CEOs of mid-sized companies make business and leadership improvements through helpful insight, resources, and tools.
Learn more »


TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION SERVICES
The SBTDC's Technology Commercialization Services team provides business counseling to small to mid-sized business owners, university researchers, and entrepreneurs looking to advance their innovations to the marketplace.
Learn more »


INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The SBTDC's International Business Development Specialists assists small and mid-sized businesses with export planning and exporting.
Learn more »
Director's Corner: NC Department of Transportation 2016-2025 State Transportation Improvement Plan
By Mark G. Mills, SBTDC/PTAC Program Director at North Carolina State University
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) webpage has a great deal of information concerning the 2016-2025 State Transportation improvement plan.   Some of the highlights include an additional 478 highway projects supporting 300,000 jobs with a total of 1,073 projects in all 100 counties.   
 
From the small business perspective, you should take a look at potential opportunities and get prequalified. (Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Contracts do not require pre-qualification  but do require SBE certification).  Here's what the DOT is looking for when it comes to business:

Construction and Maintenance:
  • Highways
  • Airports
  • Ferries
Private consulting businesses that provide professional services:
  • Engineering
  • Design
  • Research
  • Studies
The NCDOT Certification Programs include the following:
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE)
  • Small Business Enterprise
  • Small Professional Services Firm
Visit the business webpage for additional information.

Now is the time to see if the NCDOT is going to be part of your business strategy for the next 10 years.  Contact a PTAC counselor if you are interested in further business development
The All Small Mentor-Protégé Program - Is it the Right Fit for Your Business?
By Terry Stroud, SBTDC/ PTAC Counselor at Fayetteville State University
In creating this program, the SBA chose to include Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Women Owned Small Businesses, and Historically Underutilized Business Zone Businesses under an all-inclusive mentor-protégé program modeled on the successful 8(a) mentor-protégé program. Whether you are a successful prime contractor (potential Mentor, a for-profit business of any size), or a capable small business wanting to grow your business in the government contracting realm (potential Protégé), one should closely examine the program to see if it is a good fit for your company.

The goal of the program is to develop the Protégé firms through their relationship with the Mentor. Ultimately, the protégé attains the experience and knowledge necessary to compete for government contracts without outside assistance from a mentor. For a successful relationship, both the Mentor and Protégé need to benefit. The benefits are typically different for the two entities involved in the program.
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PTAC Client Success Stories
Owls Nest Enterprises, LLC
By Terry Stroud, SBTDC/ PTAC Counselor at Fayetteville State University
Owls Nest Enterprises, LLC is a Native American, VOSB, HUBZone, SDB business based in Cherokee, NC. Owners, Jim Owle and Audrey West have built a growing business providing a wide range of Facility Support Services.

As their PTAC counselor, I have routinely worked with them developing their business, securing the registrations and certifications necessary to pursue their government contracting goals. We have had many conversations regarding their goals for their business, and the strategy required to achieve those goals. In our first meeting, we discussed a detailed methodical approach to develop the company. Step by step, the client accomplished their certifications, actively sought opportunities they could effectively perform, developed their business skills, and developed a capability statement that showcases the results of their efforts thus far.

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SELLING TO THE GOVERNMENT

5 West Hargett St., Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27601
919.600.5998