Most small business owners I talk to think federal contracting is for "big firms with a compliance team."

That used to be me too.

I run a small SaaS in Arizona.

The federal government spent $759B on contracts last year.

A massive chunk of that is set aside specifically for small businesses, women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, and businesses in low-income zones.

The contracts exist in software, consulting, services, not just defense and construction.

The actual barriers small business owners run into are mostly informational, not regulatory.

Knowing whether your business profile fits any contracts being offered. Knowing which set-aside categories you qualify for without paying a lawyer. Keeping up with new opportunities as they post, since volume is high and freshness matters.

I just shipped a tool that handles all three for our customers. Curious how many of you have looked at federal contracting and either bounced off, gave up, or actually won work. What was the wall you hit?

  r/Entrepreneur or r/smallbusiness are both good fits.