8(a) Business Development Program and HUBZone Take G2i to New Heights

 
03/10/2021

With guidance from the SBA New Mexico District Office and her local Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Emile Gonzales positioned her business to better compete for government contracts.

By U.S. Small Business AdministrationWoman with hard hat looking at construction plan



With guidance from the SBA New Mexico District Office and her local Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Emile Gonzales positioned her business to better compete for government contracts. Emile has worked her way up in the male-dominated industry, founding G2i in 2006 after a career in residential construction and renovation. G2i is a general contractor specializing in design-build and bidbuild construction, renovations, and demolition. She has also stepped in as a senior project manager at a crucial time, working on several multimillion dollar projects. Emile knew she wanted her small business to capitalize on local SBA assistance so her team and community could benefit.

Challenge

One of our biggest obstacles was figuring out the government contracting process. Bidding on and winning these projects is a daunting process. We needed expert business counselors who could guide us through the process and provide best practices at no additional cost to us.

Solution

The SBA New Mexico staff answered all my questions on how to succeed as a government contractor. I also received guidance on surety bonding, which is integral in the construction industry. My local SBA directed me on how to do annual reviews as well as so many other things pertinent to growing a small business, avoiding any fast-growth pitfalls. Also essential to my growth was the SBA Emerging Leaders program. I received business training and networking opportunities that accelerated the growth of my small business. In the class, you create a three-year growth plan which requires you to review the fundamentals of business ownership. I committed to the seven-month program because I wanted to develop that long-term growth plan with business experts. I still use that plan to this day to attain and track annual goals. My district office staff also directed me to the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, which provides free business development education to better compete in the public sector. I had the opportunity to meet with government contracting specialists so that I could understand what agencies are looking for and how to best bid for these contracts. I got invaluable training on how to develop business systems and proposals. G2i was then able to secure a HUBZone designation because our office is located in a historically underused business zone. This designation allows special access to federal contracts.

Benefit

G2i has grown from netting $100,000 to $5-$8 million a year. We started out in one office room and grown into a six-room suite. I’ve increased my employees’ earnings from $95,000 total a year to $646,000. I’ve added new benefits, like a 401k profit-sharing plan. This has had a significant effect on the quality of life for my employees.

SOURCE: https://www.sba.gov/blog/8a-business-development-program-hubzone-take-g2i-new-heights



Back To News



SBE Northeast
 


Louisiana Business JournalArchive