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Your GovCon Roadmap

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New to government contracting? This guided path takes you from zero to your first proposal. Follow the steps in order, or jump to what you need.

01

Understand the Landscape

Before diving in, understand what government contracting is, how it works, and whether it is right for your business.

What Is Government Contracting? A Plain-Language Introduction 15 min read State and Local Government Contracting: A Beginner's Guide 10 min read Free Government Contracting Resources for Small Businesses 10 min read
02

Get Registered

You cannot bid on government contracts without proper registration. These are the foundational steps every contractor must complete.

How to Register for Government Contracting: SAM.gov Step by Step 11 min read NAICS Codes for Government Contracting: How to Find Your Codes 11 min read
03

Build Your Foundation

Registration is just the start. Now you need the tools and credentials that make you competitive.

How to Write a Capability Statement for Government Contracting 8 min read The 8(a) Business Development Program: Complete Guide 13 min read Government Contract Set-Asides: What Small Businesses Need to Know 13 min read FAR Compliance for Small Business Contractors 13 min read
04

Find Opportunities

Learn how to research the market, find the right opportunities, and decide which ones to pursue.

How to Find Government Contracts on SAM.gov 7 min read DLA Contracts for Small Businesses 9 min read How to Find Government Subcontracting Opportunities 9 min read
05

Win and Grow

Win your first contract, build your pipeline, and scale from your first win to a sustainable business.

How to Bid on Government Contracts: Your First Proposal 12 min read Business Development for Government Contractors 9 min read How to Scale a Government Contracting Business 9 min read Federal Contracting News and Updates for 2026 9 min read

Want the Full Toolkit?

Get our free GovCon Starter Kit: SAM checklist, capability statement template, NAICS worksheet, proposal checklist, and quick-start guide. Five tools. All free.

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Ready to Start Your GovCon Journey?

Get the free GovCon Starter Kit: five essential tools from SAM registration to your first proposal.

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