PA launches micro and midsize business programs

• Pennsylvania launches Micro and Midsize Business Programs

• Aims to support growing firms in IT, construction, and services

• Programs focus on inclusive procurement and business growth

Pennsylvania has launched Micro and Midsize Business Programs to expand state contracting opportunities and support growing firms in IT, construction, and services. 

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) announced the launch of two new programs designed to expand contracting opportunities with the commonwealth. Developed by the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO), these first-of-their-kind programs aim to bridge the gap for growing enterprises that have either outgrown traditional small business support or are still too small to compete effectively with larger firms, per a release. 

“As chair of the Pennsylvania Advisory Council for Inclusive Procurement, I’ve encouraged our administration to become more proactive in helping home-grown businesses across the commonwealth continue to innovate and grow, creating more jobs and opportunities for more Pennsylvanians,” Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis said in a statement. “I would encourage companies to check out these new programs and see if they qualify.” 

These new certifications complement Pennsylvania’s existing Small Business, Small Diverse Business, and Veteran Business Enterprise programs. 

“The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to leveling the playing field for every Pennsylvania business,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. “The Micro and Midsize Business Programs fill a critical gap in our procurement ecosystem by creating more on-ramps for growth-minded firms who want to work with the commonwealth but face institutional hurdles along the way.” 

Eligible businesses can now enroll in the Micro or Midsize Business Program to receive: 

• Increased visibility through a dedicated vendor directory 

• Streamlined certification and enrollment 

• Strategic, capacity-building support to improve procurement readiness 

• Designated opportunities on select commonwealth solicitations 

Industries with high state spending and limited competition within the pool of qualified small businesses, including professional services, IT, and construction-related trades will be the initial focus of the programs. 

“We’re calling on micro and midsized firms — especially those that have outgrown our small business size criteria—to take advantage of this opportunity,” said DGS Deputy Secretary for Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities Dr. Erica Patterson. “Our goal is to help these businesses continue to scale, compete, and win.” 

According to a release, these initiatives are part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s strategy to create an inclusive supplier ecosystem where businesses of all sizes and backgrounds can grow and thrive in Pennsylvania. 

“As the owner of a micro business, and as a member of the Pennsylvania Advisory Council for Inclusive Procurement, I am very proud of the Shapiro-Davis Administration for taking this major step towards creating ladders of opportunity for people like myself all across the commonwealth,” said Andrea Grove, owner of Elementary Coffee Co in Harrisburg. “The Micro and Midsize Business Program centers those who have felt state opportunities were historically inaccessible.”