2023 Business trends to have on your radar
Whether you are starting a business this year or setting your sights for strategic growth, having well-informed expectations can help you make the right moves. While it is impossible to predict exactly what the future will bring, here are the trends the SBA is monitoring as we begin the new year.
New Veterans Certification (VetCert) Portal launches Jan. 9, 2023
Certification with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Veterans Administration (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program.
SBA’s new Veteran Small Business Certification program implements changes from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA 2021) which transfers the certification function from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to SBA as of January 1, 2023. The transfer will provide veterans with a central support point for their small business certification needs.
The new VetCert portal for online certification will be available beginning Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
Learn more by visiting the SBA’s Veteran Contracting Assistance Programs webpage, and VetCert Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Grow your business in 2023 with a small business mentor
It’s always a good time to connect with a small business mentor, and the SBA partners with organizations around the country to provide training, opportunities, and funding to small businesses nationwide. SBA’s Seattle District has a robust network of professional, accessible, small business mentors through a variety of Resource Partners. Start the new year by connecting with a local mentor near you, and fine tuning your small business through local workshops and trainings.
Explore opportunities
Women’s Business Centers:
Learn effective marketing tools essential to securing government contracts
The capabilities statement is an essential business tool, especially when marketing your company to government agencies. Join us for this upcoming webinar and learn how to develop a strong capabilities statement and elevator pitch to effectively market your firm as a contractor or subcontractor, including how to introduce who you are & what you do.
Wednesday, Jan 18
Manage your COVID EIDL loan with SBA and Washington SBDC
Join staff from SBA’s Seattle District and the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for these upcoming webinars. Learn how to access the SBA’s Capital Access Financial System to review your SBA loan information including your loan balance, monthly payment amount, and how to make a payment. Updates on the COVID EIDL loan program will also be provided.
Upcoming Webinar Dates
Friday, Jan. 6 | Manage Your COVID EIDL Loan (hosted by SBDC)
Wednesday, Jan. 11 | Manage Your COVID EIDL Loan (hosted by SBA)
Friday, Jan. 20 | Manage Your COVID EIDL Loan (hosted by SBDC)
Friday, Jan. 6
10 – 11:30 a.m. | COVID EIDL Updates Including Managing Your EIDL Loan
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Your Business Journey: Get Started! (in-person)
Tuesday, Jan. 10
1 – 2:30 p.m. | Small Business Cybersecurity Part 1: Protection
1 – 3 p.m. | Instagram Marketing Essentials*
Wednesday, Jan 11
9 – 10:30 a.m. | Virtual Lender’s Panel: Access to Capital
10 – 11 a.m. | Wednesday Webinar: Manage Your COVID EIDL Loan
1 p.m. | Become a Small Business Owner Through Franchising
1:45 – 3 p.m. | Business Cash Flow Projections – Your Financial Story (in-person)
4 – 6 p.m. | Start Simple Course: Part 2
Thursday, Jan. 12
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | E-commerce 101
Tuesday, Jan. 17
1 – 2 p.m. | How to Optimize your Pricing Strategy to Maximize Profits
1 – 3 p.m. | Taking Your Website from Bad to Great
Wednesday, Jan. 18
10 – 11 a.m. | Wednesday Webinar: Government Contracting – What is the Capabilities Statement
4 – 6 p.m. | Start Simple Course: Part 3
Thursday, Jan. 19
9 – 10:30 a.m. | Virtual Square One
9 – 11 a.m. | Strategies to Identify and Reach Your Target Customers
12 – 1:30 p.m. | Virtual Square One
*SBA’s participation or support is not an endorsement of any product, service, or entity
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