Pennsylvania mentorship program launched to assist small businesses in securing government contracts.

Small businesses seeking to secure projects from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania often encounter significant hurdles. Nevertheless, a mentoring initiative spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services aims to alleviate some of these challenges. Now in its second year, this 12-month Mentor-Protégé Program connects small businesses with experienced mentors who guide them through the nuances of applying for state contracts while simultaneously enhancing their operational capabilities.

The program identifies a select group of eligible businesses and assigns them mentors—seasoned business owners who have successfully navigated state procurement processes. Each mentor is required to have secured at least one contract exceeding 0,000 in the past three years. Their role encompasses providing invaluable advice, facilitating networking within Pennsylvania’s vendor community, and equipping protégés with effective strategies to improve their business management and bidding approaches.

Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis emphasized that the Mentor-Protégé Program is crafted not as a means of providing handouts but as a constructive resource for entrepreneurs situated in Pennsylvania. The initiative is intentionally inclusive, welcoming businesses from outside the commonwealth that wish to pursue local projects as well.

Erica Patterson, deputy secretary for the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunity, oversees the program. She notes that the interaction between mentors and protégés is mutually beneficial. The program empowers protégés to learn from established companies, while mentors gain the opportunity to impart their expertise and cultivate relationships with emerging suppliers.

The structure of the program fosters strategic partnerships, enhancing the potential for small businesses to participate in state contracts. Participants from the inaugural cohort, which concluded in May, reported accelerated processing times for their applications, with some achieving approval in as little as two business days compared to the previous months-long norm.

Success stories from past participants underscore the program’s potential impact. For example, Christian Brown, who leads Three-12 Solutions, secured a million contract with Pennsylvania after engaging with the program. This outcome highlights not only the utility of mentorship but also the transformed perception of their business capabilities within the state’s procurement ecosystem.

The program is scheduled to continue with its second cohort, which has commenced its activities. Monthly check-ins and targeted workshops form the backbone of the curriculum, ensuring that participants gain the comprehensive knowledge necessary to thrive in competitive environments.

While the program is designed for Small Diverse Businesses and Veteran Business Enterprises, resources and support are available for all small businesses interested in enhancing their capabilities. Those looking to join the next cohort are urged to begin their prequalification process through the Department of General Services’ website.

The future looks promising for the program, with anticipation that it will persist beyond this cohort. The collaboration between mentors and protégés signifies a pivotal shift in Pennsylvania’s small business landscape, fostering innovation and building capabilities that will contribute to a more robust economic framework.