What is Funnel One?
These training sessions are oriented primarily to minority/women- owned, and small businesses that sell and provide services to public agencies (state, local, and federal governments in the Austin region): professional services; commodities; construction; other professional services. All sessions will offer basic to intermediate business concepts, techniques, and information that have proven effective in growing a young, owner-operated business.
What Topics Will Funnel One Cover?
The website provides the titles and sequence of the planned sessions. Website updates will include information on confirmed session presenters.
Who Should Apply?
Start-up or relatively young companies that want to learn about and seek new contracting or business opportunities in the public sector. It is important that your business offer a product or service that is purchased by state or local government agencies in the Austin region. You do not have to be certified currently, however. And you need not have submitted bids to governments before applying. We expect that most admitted companies will have fewer than five employees (many companies may have only one employee), annual revenues of less than $500,000, and been operational for fewer than three years. Some exceptions will be made. In summary, Funnel One training sessions are not intended for established firms that have annual revenues surpassing $500,000 or have received numerous awards and contractors as either a prime or subcontractor. More established companies should apply to Funnel Two scheduled for the spring 2025.
What is the Most Important Program Requirement?
ATTENDANCE! Your commitment to attend all the sessions and workshops will benefit both you and your peers. Establishing and participating in an on-going peer-to-peer network is also vital to the learning process. Participating companies in previous cohorts have reported additional benefits from this networking. As part of the networking process, we suggest all admitted companies provide their company logos to post on our website Lookbook page.
What are the Other Program Requirements?
To obtain the maximum benefit from the training, you will need to engage in the sessions, workshops, and business advisors, including business students, who may be providing technical assistance.
When does Funnel Two Begin?
Funnel One training sessions will begin on October 29.
What Is the Funnel One Schedule?
As shown on the website, there are five training sessions scheduled on Tuesdays from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The last session will occur in January 2024. Workshops will occur on Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Is There a Training Fee?
No. The Travis County Purchasing Office and the IC² Institute are sponsoring this training free-of-charge. Additional financial support is being provided by the Small & Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) of the City of Austin, and the DBE/SBE Program of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
What is the Application Process?
An on-line application and submission are required. Applicants are asked to provide general business and personal information, approximate business revenue, and government bid and award experience. Only completed applications will receive consideration.
Is My Application Information Confidential?
Yes. We will hold all application information in confidence and share it only with key project staff.
When Will You Decide on My Application?
We have a rolling decision-making process lasting about five business days. We will notify you based on the following: (1) Admitted; (2) Waitlist; (3) Denied; (4) Other—primarily for applicants who submit incomplete applications. We urge applicants to apply early with all their required information.
How Will You Deliver The Training?
All sessions will use the Zoom platform and be held virtually.