What is Funnel Two?
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 in Funnel Two offer more advanced concepts, techniques and information that have proven effective in growing a business.
What Topics Will Funnel Two Cover?
The website provides the titles and sequence of the planned sessions. Website updates will include information on confirmed session presenters.
Who Should Apply?
Established firms that have annual revenues surpassing $500,000 and up to 10 employees who want to explore contracting or business opportunities in the public sector and/or are seeking to improve their contracting status by becoming lead subcontractors or prime contractors. It is important to highlight that mature companies who have not contracted with the public sector and want to do so are encouraged to apply.
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 Two training sessions will begin on June 3rd.
What Is the Funnel Two 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 July 17, 2025. Workshops will occur on Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Participants will select the topic for the fifth (last) main session and workshop #2 as also shown on the website.
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?
Applicants are asked to provide participant and business information such as current certifications, approximate business revenues, three-year history of bids and awards as a sub or prime contractors with government agencies, and subjects of most interest to them. ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS ARE CONSIDERED! Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Once an application has been submitted, project staff will notify applicants about their status and request additional information or clarification if needed. APPLY HERE.
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.