Maximizing Your Time for an Effective

Contract Connections

Roundtable Session

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Women’s Business Development Center

WBDC1

Discussion Topics

• Roundtable session format• Expected discussion topics• Session expectations• What to bring• How best to follow up with your Contract Connections Match

Roundtable Session Format

WBDC’s Contract Connections Roundtable Sessions are a moderated roundtable meeting containing no more than 5 women business owners per room. The 30 minute session will go as follows:

• 30-second elevator pitch for each of the 5 WBEs – (5 minutes)• Contract Connections Host to discuss forecasted opportunities and how to do

business with their organization (10 minutes)• Corporate or Government Hosts - Speak about the kinds of contracts you award and if

possible discuss specific forecasted opportunities. • WBE Tier1/Prime Hosts – Speak about the types of contracts you pursue and the areas

where you will likely need to find sustainable tier2/sub-contractors

• Robust, facilitated Q&A (15 minutes)

Expected Discussion Topics

• WBE participants may be paired with corporate, government, or tier 1/prime WBE firms• Corporate and Government –

• In what industries do you procure goods and services?• Forecasted opportunities (if available)• Necessary databases or vendor registrations• Discuss how a WBE succeeds within your system – major tier1/primes, how to become visible,

how to meet with you to present their capabilities• Tier 1/Prime WBE Hosts –

• You will want to discuss the type of contracts you are typically awarded• what qualities you look for in a tier2/sub-contractor• areas or industries in which a tier2/sub-contractor could make your bid more competitive• How does a tier2/sub-contractor get in front of you for consideration

Session Expectations

• WBEs have been told that their Contract Connections Roundtable Session is a chance to introduce themselves their Session Host and network WBE Peers• As the Host you will drive discussion – all information is useful, but

especially any experience or insight you have found helpful to small businesses interested in contracting in your organization• Your room moderator will help keep time and keep the session on

track, please adhere to time constraints, we have a tight schedule and must keep on task

What to Bring

• Business cards – your own and any applicable organization contact• Forecasts/buying plans (if available)• Your organization brochures• Events your organization is hosting or attending in the next quarter (if

applicable)• Any other information you believe will be helpful to small business

who wish to sell to your organization

How to Follow Up

• If you are aware of specific opportunities, contacts or resources please share them• If it makes sense for your organization, you may schedule a

capabilities presentation• If you are having trouble contacting a WBE – WBDC can help! Feel

free to reach out by calling 312.853.3477

Thank You!!