Government contracts for small businesses
Federal, state and local agencies buy from small businesses every day, and many bids are reserved for them. Start with the set-aside lists below, then search everything open in your state.
Open set-aside bids
- Small business set-asides 2,191
- SDVOSB set-asides 366
- HUBZone set-asides 135
- Women-owned set-asides 84
- 8(a) set-asides 43
Guides
- How to register on SAM.gov
- Small business set-asides explained
- NAICS codes explained
- State government bid portals
Free: 3 searches a day without an account, unlimited with a free one.
Government bids by state · Federal bids
Questions
How do I get government contracts as a small business?
Register your business on SAM.gov (this gives you a Unique Entity ID), learn the NAICS codes for what you sell, look for bids set aside for small businesses, and read each solicitation closely. Free help is available from APEX Accelerators and the SBA.
What is a small business set-aside?
A contract (or part of one) that only qualifying small businesses can compete for. There are also set-asides for service-disabled veteran-owned, women-owned, HUBZone and 8(a) businesses. Eligibility rules are on SBA.gov and in each notice.
Do state and city governments have small business programs too?
Many do, with their own certifications and goals. Check the purchasing site of each state or city you want to sell to.