Explore Partnering and Subcontracting

Partnering with another firm is a great way to grow your business and expand your capabilities. If you’re just starting out, a subcontracting partnership can help you improve your business management and other industry-specific skills.

Creating a strong capability statement ahead of time and sharing it with representatives from larger firms is a good way to start. Attending pre-bid meetings for opportunities you are interested in is also a great way to introduce yourself to prime contractors.

Lack of experience and certain certifications may disqualify some smaller firms from bidding on larger government contracts. However, for certain bids, the City requires that larger contractors partner with small firms in order to promote local and diverse businesses and ensure a more equal playing field. You can use Bidnet Direct to find prime contractors that may be seeking MWBE subcontractors.

Once you have found a larger firm to work with, you can formalize your working relationship using the Small Business Administration’s All Small Mentor-Protégé program. This program helps small businesses and seasoned professionals work together to bid on government contracts. 

The New York State Mentor Protégé Program (MPP), administered by the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD), also aims to expand the capacity, technical knowledge, and participation of MWBEs in state contracting opportunities.