Longview SBDC

Longview SBDC Hires Expert to Lead Government Contracting Effort

Paula Grabowski

With the additional funds received last year through the CARES Act, the UT TylerLongview Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has hired Paula Grabowski to aid local entrepreneurs and small businesses in getting registered on the federal contracting database (SAMs). Ms. Grabowski will also help eligible small businesses acquire federal HUBZone, Texas HUB, Woman-, Minority- and Veteran-owned small business certifications.

“These certifications can be a huge advantage for small businesses wanting to do business with federal, state and local governments,” says Ms. Grabowski. “The federal guidelines stipulate that 23% of all federal purchasing will be set aside for small businesses.” Municipal governments and school districts generally follow federal guidelines for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses. The state of Texas has a robust opportunity program in place for state-certified Historically Underutilized Businesses.

Linda Burton owner of Simply Sassy Foods has benefitted from working with Ms. Grabowski. “I didn’t know that government contracting for my food products was even an option before working with the SBDC and Paula. This opened up a completely new market for my company.” Simply Sassy Salsa is now catalogued within Region 7’s group cooperative buying option.

“We help small businesses think outside of the box when looking at new markets for their products and services” – Grabowski

“Every local, state and federal government entity buys food, furniture, cleaning services, manufactured products and more. And, they all procure commodities and services in similar, yet customized ways. If a small business is certified as veteran-owned, for instance, they have a distinct advantage over companies that are not; they just may need our assistance learning the language of government procurement.”

The UT Tyler-Longview SBDC provides advising and consulting services, at no cost, to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk and Upshur Counties.

For more information longviewsbdc.com or call 903-757-5857

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