My recent experience at WEDC's Marketplace conference revealed perfect timing. Wisconsin has just been named the #1 state for construction by the Associated Builders and Contractors, making government contracting particularly promising for small businesses in our state.
The three-day conference opened new doors in government contracting. During day one's virtual Contracting Academy, key sessions like "Doing Business with the State of Wisconsin" and "Selling to Local Governments" provided foundational knowledge. These insights felt especially relevant given Wisconsin's remarkable construction industry performance - a 4.4% five-year job growth rate and a workforce pipeline exceeding demand during a nationwide labor shortage.
Day two at Milwaukee's Baird Center delivered targeted guidance for diverse businesses. The certification session proved particularly valuable for women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, disabled-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses. The digital marketing session offered practical strategies for modern business growth.
The final day focused on networking and one-on-one meetings with government buyers and prime contractors. While I didn’t immediately secure any contracts, the opportunity to refine my business pitch and showcase my product proved invaluable while also building connections and relationships for the future. Wisconsin's commitment to fair competition and market-driven wages makes these opportunities even more attractive.
I recommend contacting the Wisconsin Procurement Institute for those interested in government contracting. Their expertise is essential for navigating this landscape, especially given Wisconsin's strong construction sector and impressive 97.4% graduation rate in career technical education, and it is all available at no-cost to business owners.
As a first-time attendee, I now understand WEDC's Marketplace's vital role in business development for underrepresented owners in these industries. The knowledge and connections I gained were substantial, particularly given our state's construction and workforce development leadership. If government contracting interests you, consider attending next year's WEDC Marketplace—it could open doors in Wisconsin's thriving construction market.
Ready to explore government contracting opportunities in Wisconsin's booming market? Here's what you can do today:
- Mark your calendar for next year's WEDC Marketplace conference
- Contact the Wisconsin Procurement Institute for free guidance and resources
- Visit marketplacewisconsin.com to learn more about the programs and opportunities available
Source:
https://www.marketplacewisconsin.com/
https://www.wispro.org/
https://www.ibmadison.com/business-report/wisconsin-ranked-no-1-nationwide-for-construction/article_fc43dde4-bbe6-11ef-9c1b-4f08aa1bd89a.html
