Empowering Small Businesses: Discover the Key to Government Contracting Success

Empowering Small Businesses with Government Contracting Opportunities

On January 13, 2026, the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CAPCC) announced the initiation of the Empower Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the ability of small businesses to secure government contracts. This program seeks to bridge the gap for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in the often complex realm of governmental procurement, driven by a commitment to bolster diverse business ownership across America.

Empower is not merely a training program; it’s a multifaceted business development initiative funded by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). The program, delivered in collaboration with CMG Alliance, aims to serve small businesses across 21 states, offering personalized technical assistance, webinars, and valuable digital tools designed to facilitate contracting readiness and long-term growth.

Why the Empower Program Matters

In a landscape where small businesses contribute nearly half of the private sector jobs in California, this program’s significance cannot be overstated. Small businesses, particularly those owned by people of color and those in underserved communities, frequently face systemic barriers when competing for government contracts that often lead to unfavorable outcomes. According to data from CalOSBA, approximately half of all small businesses in California are minority-owned, underscoring the need for initiatives that level the playing field.

The Empower Program is particularly impactful given that most small businesses often lack the resources to scale and meet government demand. Baron Akingbede, a participant in the 2024 Empower to Grow program, shared his difficulties navigating governmental procurement: "Without proper guidance and resources, it’s challenging for us—the smaller entities—to compete with larger, established firms. Programs like Empower are crucial in helping us understand requirements and strengthen our bids."

Comprehensive Resources for Success

Key components of the Empower Program include:

• An 8-part webinar series designed to enhance government contracting competitiveness.
• One-on-one technical assistance customized to align with business readiness and contracting goals.
• A dedicated digital workspace providing tools, templates, and resources for proposal development.

The initiative encourages not just learning but active participation, requiring businesses to attend informational sessions before enrollment. Scheduled sessions on January 15 and 20 allow potential participants to get a first-hand understanding of program expectations and enrollment details.

Building Bridges and Networks

Beyond the technical support, the Empower Program aims to create a supportive ecosystem for small businesses. Networking opportunities with bidding agencies and prime contractors are integral to the program, bolstering collaboration and the exchange of resources. This outreach reflects a growing awareness of the necessity for structured learning frameworks combined with personalized, hands-on assistance for small businesses.

As Rene Cota, President of CMG Alliance, states, "Empower helps small businesses translate opportunity into measurable results. It’s not just about learning—it’s about actionable strategies that lead to tangible success." The personalized coaching provided is particularly beneficial for small businesses seeking guidance on local, state, and federal contracts.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The importance of this program extends beyond financial gain. By focusing on minority-owned businesses and those in underserved areas, the Empower Program plays a vital role in promoting diversity in procurement processes. As noted by Tara Lynn Gray from CalOSBA, California is dedicated to “democratizing access to capital,” ensuring that diverse entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive.

The CAPCC’s initiative is aligned with broader trends emphasizing inclusive economic growth and equitable business opportunities. A focus on supporting businesses owned by marginalized groups benefits not just those entrepreneurs, but also strengthens the local economy and fosters robust community relationships.

Looking Ahead: Join the Empower Movement

For those interested in joining this powerful initiative, the pathway is clear. Register for an upcoming informational session to learn more about how the Empower Program can elevate your business and position it favorably within the government contracting space.

In a dynamic economic environment, where adaptability and resilience are paramount, programs like Empower provide invaluable tools and community support for small businesses to navigate and succeed in a competitive landscape. Let’s amplify these voices and ensure that opportunity is accessible to all.