GSA Blog

GSA matchmaking event highlights support for small business, procurement equity

GSA’s Small Business Works 2023 event attracted 1,144 small business entrepreneurs for presentations and conversations about the importance of research, marketing to the federal government, and best practices for connecting and engaging with government stakeholders on Aug. 3, the third year GSA has sponsored this – its largest – event.

Small business entrepreneurs made connections and gained new tools and resources at the event, sponsored by GSA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. OSDBU offers hundreds of similar but smaller matchmaking and training webinar sessions throughout the year, virtual and in person throughout the country.   

Participants attended educational sessions covering specific areas of government procurement including:

• How to get on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule for various categories handled by GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service.
• Various Public Buildings Service IDIQ contracts.
• Regional forecasting opportunities where small businesses can perform as a subcontractor on existing contracts or how to be prepared as a future prime contractor.

Small businesses also heard from procurement officials in GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, Public Buildings Service, and Office of Administrative Services. 

“Encouraging people interested in small business entrepreneurship is a high priority for GSA,” said Exodie Roe III, OSDBU Associate Administrator. “We’re seeing interest and participation from the small business community continuing to expand in events like Small Business Works 2023. It’s a positive step for everyone involved when more of our nation’s small businesses have increased access to the federal procurement process.” 

“GSA works hard to ensure all small businesses and socioeconomic small businesses are represented in the federal procurement process, including those companies located in underserved communities,” Roe continued. “We want every small business to have equitable access to available procurement opportunities.”

GSA Deputy Administrator Katy Kale reaffirmed GSA’s commitment to supporting and advancing equity in procurement.

“I know how important it is for small businesses to have the training and information they need to succeed in the federal marketplace,” said Kale. “That’s important to the Administration and the entire GSA team.”

Small businesses provide value, helping federal agencies deliver on their missions and strengthening economic security through the creation of good jobs in communities nationwide. OSDBU works to ensure small businesses have a seat at the federal procurement table and maximize their opportunities to win business.  

Training opportunities include:

• GSA's Events and Training webpage.
• Forecast of Contracting Opportunities.
• Videos and information on how to do business with us. 
• Government contracting fact sheets to help small business owners navigate the federal marketplace. 

To learn more about GSA’s long-standing commitment to the small business community, follow us on Twitter @GSAOSDBU and visit GSA’s Small Business webpage.