Readiness Training Program FUNNEL Two - FAQs

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 are designed to help small businesses learn about government contracting opportunities and utilize techniques and strategies that have proven effective in developing a competitive proposal. Session presenters also share advice and best practices in identifying customers and presenting business capabilities to potential prime contractors and government agencies.

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?

The spring-summer 2026 class is for more mature small businesses (annual revenues above 500k) that are seeking to increase their capacity to win and execute successful contracts with local, state, and federal agencies in the Austin region. You must have a product or service that government agencies in the Austin region purchase. You need not be certified, and you need not have submitted bids. While exceptions occur, nearly all small businesses are from the five county Austin region of Travis County, Williamson County, Bastrop County, Hays County, and Caldwell County.

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 May 19.

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 on a date to be determined. 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 Bureau of Business Research at 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 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, and history of bids and awards as a sub or prime contractor with government agencies. 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. ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS ARE CONSIDERED!

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.