Explore Partnering and Subcontracting

Find the Right Partner

Partnering with another firm is a great way to grow your business and expand your capabilities. If you’re just starting out, a subcontracting partnership can help you improve your business management and other industry-specific skills. The City of Omaha helps connect small businesses and large firms through regular networking events. These events are a great way to meet prime contractors and explore new opportunities. In the interim, create a strong capability statement to share it with representatives from larger firms to maximize the value of these networking events.

Build a Mentor-Protege Relationship

Once you have found a larger firm to work with, you can formalize your working relationship using the Small Business Administration’s All Small Mentor-Protégé program. This program helps small businesses and seasoned professionals work together to bid on government contracts. Learn more about the program at the SBA’s Small Mentor-Protégé website.

Find a Prime Contractor to Work With

Lack of experience and certain certifications may disqualify some smaller firms from bidding on larger government contracts. However, for certain bids, the City requires that larger contractors partner with small firms in order to promote local businesses and ensure a more equal playing field. To facilitate these partnerships, the City holds matchmaking events before major projects. If you are interested in attending one of these events, contact the Human Rights & Relations Department.