WHAT WE DO

    For over 40 years, Affinity Business Solutions, LLC (Affinity) principals have been involved at ownership levels in small businesses that encompassed both government and private contracts. These experiences enable us to fulfill our mission. Small businesses wishing to acquire contracts with Municipal, State, and/or Federal Government agencies can be steered through the “Certification Process,” which is required in order to seek out those contracts. 

    We advise on how to identify your "Secret Codes"! Do you know what they are? --One is the North American Industry Classification (NAIC) code, the standard used by Federal agencies in classifying businesses for data related to the US Business Economy. --The other is the Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code, used by some states and municipalities for business classifications. Your business will identify at least one NAIC code and one SIC code, although you may find you are able to utilize multiple codes. 

    We also train you to research and target Federal, State, and Municipal government bid opportunities. Each day Affinity receives new, relevant bids based on our clients' unique business profiles. We can help your business obtain government “set-aside” contracts, to take advantage of this unique benefit to which you may be entitled. 

    Are you a small business seeking Corporate, State, Municipal City, County, or Federal contracts? The largest contract field for available federal contracts are managed by the System of Award Management (SAM) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Administration (SBA). The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program has set-aside goals to level the playing field by identifying the socioeconomic group for which you may qualify. Federal, State and local municipalities are stepping up goals to boost contracting opportunities for all types of socioeconomic businesses. You will be able to collaborate, team, manage, and most importantly, win more contracts. 

   Generally, to be approved into the SBA’s 8(a) BD program and become certified, your small business must be owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are American citizens. There are multiple categories (see below). Using our proven government market intelligence tool, Affinity will aid you in ensuring you are aware of all the bids, RFPs, contracts and re-competes available to your socioeconomic certified business in the Federal space. 

   Did you know that even a White socioeconomic status classification exists? The U.S. Government’s Code of Federal Regulations lists all categories of those citizens considered socially disadvantaged. (See below). Note that various States, Cities, Counties, and Municipal Agencies may have different requirements.

    In general, Socially Disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. The social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control.

    Visit the website for the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and review Section 124.103, "Who is socially disadvantaged". There you can find more details and a list of individuals who may be considered socially disadvantaged.

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      FREE -- Small Businesses Get  FREE Entrepreneurship and Technical

Assistance from the U.S. Government.

Two programs you may find helpful:

1.  SCORE, managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors,  dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow.  SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops.  For more information, go to  https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/score-business-mentoring1.  

2.  APEX ACCELERATORS: Accelerating American Entrepreneurship (formerly known as PTAP: Procurement Technical Assistance Program). APEX, managed by the U.S. Department of Defense, has info for ALL federal agency contracts. They host training, workshops, and events, you may interact with like small business owners. For more info, go to: https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/, About Us, Service Area Locator to find your area office.