Alea’s Top 5 Most Frequently Asked Certified Supplier Questions
As EMSDC Director-Stakeholders Services, Alea Bunch plays a crucial role in our organization, advocating on behalf of certified businesses, assisting with programming development, and overseeing the implementation of liaison initiatives and services, the annual development needs assessment for certified suppliers, external partnerships, strategic planning with senior leadership, and the coordination of services alongside others on our incredible team. Members (and prospective members) can reach out to Alea to learn how to leverage their relationships, engage with the council, identify target customers within and beyond the EMSDC network, and more. Recently, we asked Alea about her most frequently asked questions and the valuable advice she offers. This is what she shared.
Question 1: How can I access opportunities within the network and what are the best ways to leverage certifications?
According to Alea, creating a target list is critical for accessing opportunities and leveraging your certification. Start by reviewing the current membership to see who aligns with your goals, and then check out our Essentials page. Alea also recommends engaging at upcoming events (bring your target list), and connecting with the EMSDC team to strategize, see what industries are in the room, and possibly make a one-on-one introduction.
Question 2: Where can I find federal contract opportunities and who would be the best person to help navigate those processes?
Alea suggests connecting with certified supplier services to see if there are any current opportunities or local contacts that can help you access contracts within the federal government. EMSDC is happy to help you navigate those processes. Your local Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program (government organizations accept NMSDC certification but also want you to be DBE certified) can also help you find contacts and opportunities. Visit the City of Philadelphia Office of Economic Opportunity or another local county you want to work with and register through their portals. Other resources include SAM.gov, the Department of Commerce, Department of General Services, and PAUCP Database.
Question 3: How can I connect with larger vendors within my industry for potential partnerships and subcontracting opportunities?
Alea says, “Come to EMSDC mixers and get yourself out to events where you can engage in person, introduce yourself, and your pitch brand.” These events are “a great way to develop relationships and do business with other business owners.” She also recommends using our strategic certified supplier portal to discover the different vendors within your industry and reach out to connect, as well as leaning on the networking component in other ways, like social media.
Question 4: What are some tips to scale through development programming, training, and other available resources?
When it comes to utilizing resources to scale your business, “connecting and assessing where you are, and working with the EMSDC team to figure out which specific resources, initiatives, and cohorts programs can benefit you and your company” can make all the difference, according to Alea. “If you need funding, let us connect you with the SBA, CDFI, various grants or initiatives in place, tech assistance for your back office needs, or resources to help business start-ups expand. If you’re looking for marketing, we have consultants in the network who have different programs that can assist with those needs. If you’re looking to expand your team, we have workforce development programs and access to local talent through universities and other organizations. We also know banking institutions that can help with market research and identifying who your competitors are. Tap into the network, and take advantage of all the resources available to move your business to the next level.”
Question 5: How can I access funding opportunities/capital and connect with local financial assistance and technical assistance providers?
Once again, Alea recommends going to the Essentials page on our website, as well as the Video Library. “Make sure you are connecting with anything that’s local, and figure out those things that are standing in the way of you getting funding.” According to Alea, every business should have a great banking relationship, and financial counseling is also a good idea. Adding these items to your action plan can help break down your needs, solve business formation issues, secure network referrals, and offer support with the funding resources that are available.
The mission of the EMSDC is to stimulate and support economic development throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. As a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and regional affiliate of the NMSDC, we certify and connect our certified member businesses with member corporations to create a more dynamic supply chain. We invite you to explore our website at emsdc.org to learn more.