NEWS & INSIGHTS

In recent months, the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program has undergone one of its most significant shifts in years. Increased scrutiny, enforcement actions, and tighter eligibility requirements have raised concerns among small businesses leading many to ask: Is the program still worth it?

While it does not result in an immediate contract award, an RFI plays a critical role in shaping future opportunities and positioning your business to win them.

Summer programming under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) represents one of the most accessible entry points for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking workforce development contracts. WIOA requires that a significant portion of youth funding be dedicated to serving out-of-school and in-school youth, and summer employment and career exploration programs are a primary vehicle for meeting this mandate. WIOA summer programming contracts are typically re

As 2026 unfolds, small businesses are operating in a markedly different environment than just a few years ago. Higher interest rates, cautious corporate spending, evolving public-sector procurement rules, and increased competition have shifted the definition of “growth.” Growth is no longer defined by speed or volume. Rather than chasing every opportunity, the businesses positioned to grow this year are concentrating on a few high-impact strategies that create stability and s

One critical area that often gets overlooked at the end of the year is contract preparation. This checklist guides you through practical steps to review, organize, and prepare for contract growth so you can start the new year with confidence.

Aventi joined more than 750 economic development leaders from across Central Ohio at the record-setting ED411 convening. With record attendance, ambitious goals, and a shared commitment to building the workforce and industries of the future, the Columbus Region is well-positioned for another decade of strong economic growth.

As a growing business, one of the most strategic decisions you’ll make is choosing who your primary customers will be. Should you focus solely on selling to other businesses (B2B)? Should you pursue contracts with government agencies (B2G)? Or is it best to serve both? The answer depends on your goals, capacity, industry, and risk tolerance. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each model and explore why a combination approach might give your business the edge. The B2B Model

In November 2025, during the NAWBO Columbus luncheon, I had the privilege of interviewing Makeda Mathews, Supplier Diversity Manager at Delta Air Lines. Her insights were both practical and inspiring, especially for business owners seeking to break into corporate supply chains. While government contracting often dominates supplier conversations, Makeda reminded the audience that corporate contracting is its own ecosystem with its own rules, expectations, and pathways to oppo

Every growing business eventually reaches a point where the current team can no longer handle the increasing demands of clients, projects, or operations. While the idea of hiring can be exciting, premature expansion can strain resources. Conversely, waiting too long can stall growth and burn out your core team. Knowing when to expand is just as critical as knowing who to hire. Signs It's Time to Expand Your Team 1. Your Team is Consistently Over Capacity If your staff is work

The impact of a federal government shut down can ripple down to small businesses through contracting, financing, regulatory approvals, and even local consumer demand. Understanding these ripple effects can help business owners respond strategically and protect their operations until the government reopens.

Budgets are closing out, agencies are moving quickly to obligate remaining funds, and competition for contracts is at its peak. Understanding the forecast for contract opportunities in Q4 2025 will help you position your business for success.

Pilot projects and phased contracts are becoming a preferred way for buyers to test and build relationships with small businesses. If you know how to position yourself for these opportunities, they can be your stepping stone to bigger wins.

For many small businesses, government contracts often get the spotlight. But did you know corporate contracts can be just as transformative and sometimes even more accessible?

If your goal is to create consistent revenue in government contracting, learning how to position your company for IDIQs is a smart move.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a valuable tool for businesses writing proposals for government and corporate contracts. From accelerating the drafting process to enhancing compliance checks, AI has the potential to save time, improve quality, and increase your win rate. However, using AI in proposal writing requires careful planning and discernment.

You’ve spent hours preparing a proposal, only to see the award go to the same company again and again. You know your business is qualified. So why aren’t you winning?

Over 200 S&P 500 companies have removed terms like “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” from their annual SEC filings in 2025. According to a joint analysis by Harvard and financial researchers, DEI mentions in company reports dropped by nearly 70% over the past two years.

As the year hits its halfway point, it's the perfect time for small businesses to pause, reflect, and reset. Whether you’re pursuing your first government contract or expanding your reach with corporate contracts, a mid-year check-in can help ensure you close out the year strong.

This temporary reprieve aims to de-escalate trade tensions and provides a brief window for businesses to adjust their strategies

April 22, 2025, Aventi wrapped up the 2025 Winter Session of the TechX Program with a dynamic and mission-driven group of founders who...