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Why the ‘Set-Aside’ Strategy That Worked in 2023 Won’t Cut It in FY 2025
If your small business landed contracts in 2023 by chasing easy set-asides, here’s a wake-up call for FY 2025: that playbook is expired. What used to be a reliable strategy, waiting for a small-business set-aside in your contractor NAICS code and jumping on it, isn’t going to yield the same results this year. The rules have changed, agency behavior has shifted, and federal procurement is evolving in ways that demand a new approach. Let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and what smart businesses should be doing now.
Which Federal Set-Aside Program Is Right for You? Here’s the Clear, No-Nonsense Breakdown
If you’ve been circling the world of government contracting but aren’t sure which set-aside certification to pursue first, you’re not alone. The SBA and federal agencies offer a buffet of options, 8(a), WOSB/EDWOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, but choosing the wrong one (or going after all at once) can waste time, energy, and opportunity. With new rules tightening certification requirements and more agencies under pressure to meet small business goals, now’s the time to make a strategic choice.
SBA’s 2025 Rule Shake-Up: 10 Changes Every New Federal Contractor Must Act On
If you’re a small business eyeing federal contracting opportunities, the SBA has been busy rewriting the playbook. From size standard adjustments to new certification requirements, these rule changes aren’t just technical—they determine whether you can compete, win, and keep your contracts. Here’s what’s new, why it matters, and how to act now.
SBA’s Contracting Assistance Programs: What Every Small Business Needs to Know in 2025
If you’re a small business owner looking to grow through federal contracting, here’s the blunt truth: you’re leaving money on the table without an SBA certification. The federal government awarded over $176 billion to small businesses last year—and more than a third of that came through set-aside programs. Whether you’re a woman-owned business, located in a HUBZone, led by a disabled veteran, or socially disadvantaged, the right certification can turn a door into a pipeline.
Prime vs. Sub: Which Federal Contracting Role is Right for Your Small Business?
If you’re trying to break into or scale up in the federal contracting world, there’s a pivotal question you’ve likely faced: Should you go after contracts as a prime or team up as a subcontractor? The answer can shape your entire growth path—and what you’re risking along the way.
Entering Federal Contracting in 2025? Here’s the No-BS Guide Small Businesses Actually Need
If you’ve been thinking about getting into federal contracting, now’s a smart time to move. With over $178 billion awarded to small businesses in FY2023 and FY2025 shaping up to be just as lucrative—there’s opportunity out there. But winning contracts isn’t about luck or spammy bid sites—it’s about preparation, positioning, and persistence.
Set-Asides Reset: What FY2025's Federal Contracting Goals Mean for Small Businesses
If you’re a small business trying to break into—or stay in—the federal contracting world, FY2025 is going to be a pivotal year. New SBA rules, a strategic goal reset, and evolving compliance requirements are shaking up the landscape. Whether you're newly 8(a)-certified or running a veteran-owned firm navigating VetCert, this isn’t just bureaucratic noise—it’s your roadmap (or roadblock) to millions in potential revenue.