Small businesses in Stanislaus County face challenges competing for government and institutional contracts. To help overcome this, Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by Opportunity Stanislaus, has launched its Contract Ready Program (CRP), an initiative focused on helping local small businesses successfully pursue contract opportunities.
In partnership with Stanislaus 2030 and Workforce Development, the CRP reflects a regional effort to strengthen the local economy by keeping public contracting dollars close to home. It aims to foster long- term economic resilience and growth throughout the county by equipping local businesses with the tools and support needed to go after contracts.
The CRP was initiated in response to a growing regional opportunity. Billions of dollars in public and private contracts are awarded each year, but many capable businesses in local communities lack the tools and guidance needed to compete for them. The result is that those companies are often outbid or discouraged from entering the contracting space altogether. Now, through no-cost one-on-one advising, workshops, and hands-on support, the CRP can help businesses prepare essential materials, understand contracting requirements, and pursue opportunities with local governments and large institutions.
Launched in July 2025, the CRP has already provided substantial advising and support to over 30 small businesses throughout Stanislaus County. Valley Sierra SBDC has also hosted two contracting workshops, bringing together local businesses and public-sector partners to highlight the accessibility of the contracting process and create direct lines of communication between buyers and suppliers.
“We consistently heard from small businesses that they were interested in contracting, but either didn’t know where to start or felt locked out of the process,” said Miguel Preciado, Program Manager. “The Contract Ready Program was created to bridge that gap, and help local businesses not only understand procurement, but actually feel prepared to compete.”
This February, Valley Sierra SBDC plans to expand the CRP’s reach with the launch of a self-paced webinar series. Released in a bi-monthly format taking place over five months, it will provide small business owners the ability to learn about procurement from experts, on their own time. It also provides access to Valley Sierra’s business advisors who can provide personalized assistance to help businesses grow.
The CRP is open to all small businesses in Stanislaus County that have been in business for two-and-a-half years – including those new to procurement, as well as established businesses seeking to grow – that are interested in pursuing government or large private sector contracts. To learn more about the CRP or explore partnership opportunities, contact Valley Sierra SBDC directly by reaching out to Delaney Nunes, the Contract Ready Project Coordinator, at 209-254-6406 or dnunes@opportunitystanislaus.com.
Part of the Central CA Regional SBDC Network since 2003, Valley Sierra SBDC offers no-cost consulting, workshops, and funding support to startups and established businesses. This effort, along with the Central CA SBDC and its Service Centers, has spurred the creation and retention of more than 10,000 jobs and generated over $691 million in loans and equity across 14 Central California counties: San Luis Obispo, San Benito, Monterey, Stanislaus, Merced, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Tulare, Kern, Mono, and Inyo.
