Are you interested in providing consulting services for government agencies, but are not sure where and how to start? Consulting contracts with government agencies can be a very lucrative and long-term source of revenue for small businesses. This interactive workshop will cover the first steps and strategies you need to take to successfully prepare to do business in the government market. Topics to be discussed include:

• Learning the Basics of Government Contracting
• Locating Government Contracting Consulting Opportunities
• Registering with Government Agencies

About Rachel Fischer

Rachel Fischer is the Deputy Program Manager for the San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC). SDCOC is a program of Southwestern College designed to help small businesses sell to federal, state, and local governments.

Rachel’s background in the field of community development began in Youngstown, Ohio, when she first received a position with an economic development corporation in the Mahoning Valley. Rachel quickly developed a passion for working with small businesses and has since remained in the field of small business development. After moving west from Ohio to Seattle, Washington in 2002, Rachel received employment with a Seattle-based economic development and finance corporation, Community Capital Development. During her 5 years of employment at Community Capital Development, she held numerous positions with the organization including Assistant Operations Manager, Business Assistance Officer, and Training Manager. Prior to moving to San Diego, she was the Program Manager of the King County Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in Seattle, WA, a program very similar to SDCOC.

Rachel has Bachelor degrees in Economics, Russian, and History from Ohio University and Youngstown State University, as well as a M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training from Seattle University. Rachel also holds a Certification as an Associate Contracting Assistance Specialist (ACAS) with the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.

In 2006, Rachel was recognized by the Seattle District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration for her notable support of the Seattle District Office’s 8(a) Business Development Program. In 2007, Rachel was recognized by the Department of Defense’s Western Regional Council for Small Business Education and Advocacy (DODWRC) for her generous contribution of time and effort in support of the Council and Small Business Program. Rachel also serves on the planning committee for the San Diego County Water Authority’s annual Paths to Partnerships outreach event. Additionally, she is an active member of the San Diego area Public Agency Consortium.