Want to learn more about your government contracts coach and civic innovator, Christine Edwards Pitkin? The best way to is to watch and listen to her featured podcast episodes. For years, as a thought leader, Christine has contributed to topics such as business development, government contracts, being a founder, running a business as a Black women, her perspective on community growth, development and gentrification and solutions that make our world a more equitable and livable place for all.

When you think about government contracts, you might picture federal agencies with million-dollar projects and endless red tape.

But here’s the truth: some of the biggest opportunities for small businesses start much closer to home—and they don’t have to be the biggest contract to actually matter.

Successfully securing a government contract is an amazing achievement. So what’s next?

The first order of business: A team celebration, of course! 

Now, it's time to delve into the nitty-gritty details. Here are some steps you may want to consider after winning a government contract

This achievement opens up a world of opportunities for growth and success. Now that you've got the certification in hand, it's time to kick things into high gear and make the most of it.

Here are three key steps to take:

Certifications can allow you to compete for contracts as well as help you gain access to specialized funding and scholarships.

Let’s be honest, owning and running a small business requires planning, problem solving, efficiency, marketing skills and networking. Being able to point out a specific differentiator sets your business apart from the competition.

I recently had the honor of stepping onto the TEDx stage—and wow. It was surreal.

I shared a piece of my story that’s been quietly shaping everything I do. From the way I move through the world as a woman, as a leader, to how I show up in rooms as someone who’s committed to building power behind the scenes.

If you’ve ever struggled with being underestimated…you ever felt like the underdog, or felt the tension between who you are and what they expect you to be—this talk is for you. It's time to reclaim your voice—on your own terms.

Whether you're seeking grant funding or public-sector contracts, a strong proposal writer can make or break your success. Before you hire, here are Christine’s top 3 questions to ask:

Winning government contracts can be a game-changer for small businesses, providing steady revenue streams and establishing credibility. As business owners, we are constantly striving for growth and stability, so let’s explore the world securing lucrative government contracts with 9 essential pillars.

Now that you are certified & implementing your marketing strategies, it’s time to look for contracts. 

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a document used by organizations to solicit bids or proposals from potential suppliers or service providers. RFPs typically include several key elements to provide detailed information about the project or contract. Here are the six key elements typically found in an RFP:

Marketing your certified business effectively to potential clients is key to elevating your business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our top 5 strategies will help you stand out in a competitive market and connect with your ideal clients.

If you’ve ever opened an RFP and thought, “Where do I even start?” — you’re not alone. Proposals can get messy fast. Deadlines. Attachments. Certifications. Multiple versions of the same document floating around your computer. It’s a lot. And the truth is, most business owners were never taught a system for navigating this process. They were just told to “figure it out.”

Winning government contracts, or any kind of contract, is all about Relationships and Results. The first thing you want to do is make sure your business has obtained results and you have positive relationships with clients and partners. Keep these professional relationships in mind when seeking out local government contracts.

Capabilities Statements are meant to show buyers that your business is established and reliable. It is meant to be used in networking situations or in instances of information exchange and it is a necessary document to have on hand if you are to compete in the government contracting space.