From the Editor's Desk

Welcome to She Gov Savvy!

Hello Savvy Sisters,

Welcome to our December issue of Savvy Talk —
As we wrap up this year and step into the festive month of December, I am thrilled to bring you the second issue of She Gov Savvy. The air is filled with the spirit of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the new beginnings that await us.

In our inaugural issue last month, we embarked on a journey together, united by our shared aspirations and challenges in the realm of government contracting. Your overwhelming response, insightful feedback, and stories of resilience have truly been the driving force behind this community. 

Reflecting on Our Journey
As we reflect on the past year, it's important to acknowledge the milestones we've reached, both as individuals and as a community. The world of government contracting is no easy feat, and yet, here we are, making strides, learning, and growing every day.

Looking Forward
As we approach the new year, let's not just set resolutions but also prepare actionable plans. Set aside an hour for goal setting and strategic planning for 2024, ensuring you step into the new year ready and equipped.

Your Contribution
Your stories and experiences are the heartbeat of She Gov Savvy. As always, we encourage you to share your journeys, challenges, and victories with us. Let's continue to inspire and uplift each other.

In Gratitude

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each one of you for being an integral part of the She Gov Savvy family. Your support, engagement, and contributions have made this community a beacon of empowerment and collaboration.

Here's to a wonderful December, filled with joy, peace, and success. May this festive season bring you happiness and a well-deserved break to recharge for an incredible year ahead.

Warm holiday wishes,

Sabrina Wiggins
Editor-in-Chief
She Gov Savvy

Government contracting is a unique and potentially lucrative opportunity accessible to entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. Partnering with government agencies as a supplier or service provider can open doors to a reliable stream of contracts and revenue. Nevertheless, the landscape of government procurement is intricate, governed by its own set of rules, regulations, and procedures. She Gov Savvy is here to assist you throughout this process by offering valuable tips, checklists, and guidance, ensuring you're well-prepared to embark on your government contracting journey.

Micro-Purchases

Acquisitions below the micro purchase level ($3,500) are usually made with the Government-wide purchase cards. The user of the product or service often is a purchase cardholder and normally makes the purchase directly. The current Government-wide purchase card program, called the GSA Smart Pay Program, is based on a contract awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA). The purchase card involved is MasterCard. If your company does not currently accept MasterCard, all you need do is apply to a bank. There is no difference in the Government MasterCard and a normal MasterCard except purchases made using the Government card are tax exempt. Banks vary in the rates they charge, so you should check with several. The Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to assist you if you have problems setting up an account.

Simplified Acquisitions

Purchases made using simplified acquisition procedures (i.e., non-complex purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold, which is currently $150,000) are purchased in one of two ways: On the open market or by placement of an order or blanket purchase agreement under a GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract.

• Open market purchases exceeding $25,000 are generally publicized on the Federal Business Opportunities webpage (FedBizOpps)(external link). This is the Government's official single point of entry for Federal contracting opportunities.
• GSA purchasesd placed on GSA eBuy are considered publicized. View more information on the GSA FSS program(external link), including guidance on participation.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) describes these and other Government purchasing methods, Simplified acquisition procedures are described in FAR Part 13(external link). Simplified acquisition procedures for the purchase of commercial items are described in FAR Part 12(external link). GSA FSS purchasing methods are described in FAR Subpart 8.4(external link), together with more information about the program.

Before you get started here are a few things you need to do to make sure you really want to take on this challenge.

• Think about products or services you can provide to the government.
• What government/state agencies need what you provide?
• If you win a contract, will you be able to do the job alone or will you need additional staff?
• Do you have the financial means to pay for something up front and wait to be paid back 30-60 days after submitting your invoice? 

These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before diving all in. We will go a little deeper in the next issue.

If you have a burning question, make sure you submit it.

You can also do business in your own state by becoming a vendor. Research your state by googling "Your state" vendor portal. We will talk more about state portals later. 

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Inspiration Behind 'Gurl Fix Your Crown': What inspired you to write 'Gurl Fix Your Crown,' and how does it reflect your personal journey and experiences?

The inspiration behind 'Gurl Fix Your Crown™' was born out of a sincere desire as a Christian woman to provide hope, encouragement, and support to women globally facing, having faced, or will face similar challenges as I have in terms of abuse, trauma, and emotional turmoil. Through sharing my personal journey, the book aims to empower women, equipping them with the mental resilience needed to navigate their own experiences and emerge as overcomers. My aspiration is for 'Gurl Fix Your Crown™' to serve as a source of strength and guidance for women on their journey to healing and personal growth, inspiring them to understand that "One broken dream is never the end of dreaming" and encouraging them to dream again.

The heart of 'Gurl Fix Your Crown™' is intricately woven with the fabric of my personal journey and experiences. Confronting challenges such as abuse, trauma, and emotional upheaval, I've come to recognize the pivotal role that money, mindset, and man (primary love relationships) play in tilting women's mental health off balance. Beyond being a mere book, 'Gurl Fix Your Crown™' serves as a guide for manifestation. Infusing my story with practical advice, it becomes a workbook, a tool designed to resonate with readers by offering a relatable narrative that not only inspires but also empowers them on their unique paths toward healing and personal growth.

Empowerment Philosophy: Your book aims to empower women to embrace their true potential. Could you elaborate on the core principles of empowerment that you advocate in your book and through Queenmakers International?

The core philosophy of 'Gurl Fix Your Crown™' and Queenmakers International is dedicated to empowering women to fully embrace their inherent potential through their faith. Faith is the compass that guides us through the storms of life and the anchor that keeps us steady when the wind of uncertainty blows. As the Bible says, 'Without faith, it is impossible to please God.' From the core of my existence, built on God since age 5, I live my life through the lens of my values, where faith takes precedence. This not only steers me through life's darkest moments but also provides a solid moral and ethical framework for my business. Grounding every service, product, and interaction in faith ensures alignment with values prioritizing compassion, integrity, and empathy. Complementing these principles are crucial aspects like mindset transformation, cultivating a healthy relationship with money, building resilience, fostering positive relationships, and creating a supportive community. Together, these pillars form a comprehensive framework that empowers women to navigate their journeys with strength, purpose, and a crowned sense of self.

Challenges and Triumphs: "In your website, you mention the challenges you faced during a pivotal moment in your life. How have these experiences influenced your approach to writing and coaching?

In my book and website, I delve into pivotal moments in my life, sharing challenges that have significantly influenced my approach to writing, public speaking, coaching and mentoring. On pages 59-66, of my book “Gurl Fix Your Crown™' I openly shared my story on the profound loss of one of identical twin daughter- Karen, a narrative I had kept to myself for 20 years.

Advice for Women Facing Adversity: "What advice do you offer to women who are currently facing situations similar to what you experienced, such as feeling abandoned or disillusioned?

My advice to women facing situations similar to what I experienced, such as feelings of abandonment or disillusionment, is straightforward: Reach out. Don't wait for eighteen years, as I did, to navigate it on your own. Understanding the urgency of support, I've made it accessible for my readers to connect with me directly through my book. It's crucial to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward healing and empowerment. As I emphasize in my book, 'a living ex-wife is better than a late wife,' underscoring the importance of prioritizing one's well-being and seeking support in a timely manner.

Transformative Journey: "Can you discuss the transformative journey you guide readers through in 'Gurl Fix Your Crown,' particularly in areas like money, mindset, and relationships?

Embark on a transformative journey in 'Gurl Fix Your Crown' to rediscover and reshape your relationship with money—rewriting childhood money stories, gaining a profound understanding, and becoming the master of your finances, enabling you to rule your empire with confidence. This journey invites you to stop seeking permission from money, empowering you to rewrite your story, break free from limitations, dismantle obstacles, and embrace an empowering mindset. Learn the art of setting boundaries, cultivating healthy connections, and unleashing the transformative power of love that elevates, nurtures, and profoundly transforms your life.

Queenmakers International's Role: Could you tell us more about Queenmakers International and how it supports individuals in finding their path to a brighter future?

Queenmakers International is a global movement committed to empowering women through tailored programs, workshops, coaching, mentoring, and a supportive community. Our mission spans from financial empowerment and mindset transformation to fostering healthy relationships. We aim to be a beacon of encouragement, inspiring women to rewrite their stories, break free from limitations, and obstacles that hold them bound to cultivating an empowering mindset. Our goal is to equip each woman with the skills and resilience needed to manifest a bigger, brighter, and better future, enabling them to lead and thrive in business, governance, work, and contribute to sustainable global growth, peace, and abundance.

Applying Empowerment to Government Contracting: How can the empowerment principles outlined in 'Gurl Fix Your Crown' be applied to women entrepreneurs who are preparing to venture into government contracting, a field often perceived as challenging and competitive?

Applying the empowerment principles from 'Gurl Fix Your Crown' to women entrepreneurs entering government contracting, often perceived as challenging, involves teaching them to harness their fears to achieve their dreams. While government contracting may seem daunting, the principles outlined in my book guides women step by step in "Cracking the Contracting Code." Women entrepreneurs are urged to embrace risk-taking, network, and engage in collaboration and masterminding, mirroring the strategies employed by their male counterparts. I emphasize the importance of women recognizing their unique value and being prepared to bring their strengths to the government contracting table. Through my guidance, I aim to empower women to conquer fears, discover their value, and navigate the challenges of government contracting successfully.

Mindset and Resilience in Business: "Given that government contracting can involve complex negotiations and setbacks, what insights from your book can help women in building the resilience and mindset needed to succeed in this area?

In the dynamic field of government contracting, involving intricate negotiations and setbacks, 'Gurl Fix Your Crown' offers insightful strategies for women to cultivate the resilience and mindset crucial for success. Beginning with prayer and seeking divine guidance, the book advocates meditation and self-belief, emphasizing the recognition of one's worthiness to be a highly sought-after government contractor. The practice of writing affirmations, outlined in the 'Gurl Fix Your Mindset Journal,' is a powerful tool to counteract fears and instill confidence. Encouraging women to reach out for support and overcome self-imposed barriers, the book motivates them to pursue the seemingly impossible. To further assist women in navigating the complexities of government contracting, I have created the Government Contract Accelerator Program, providing practical guidance and support for success in this challenging arena.

Anything other wisdom or advice you would like to leave them with?

Gurl Fix Your Crown, hold your head up. Be Bold, Be You

How can we learn more or connect with you?

You can connect with me at Brigitte Michaels, LLC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brigitteomichaels

FINCA Ventures Prize

Deadline: December 15, 2023

FINCA Ventures Prize to support social entrepreneurs who share FINCA’s steadfast commitment to ending global poverty. The FINCA Ventures Prize will culminate in an event in March 2024 in Washington DC. The event will feature in-person pitch presentations by the finalists to a jury and a celebration of the top winners in the categories of environment and health. Awards up to $70,000. Apply by 12/1/23 Click here to learn more

About Her Culture Microgrant
Deadline: December 15, 2023

Micro grants of $500 are open to women of Caribbean and African descent, who are entrepreneurs, creatives and non-profit founders, based in their home countries or anywhere around the world. Applicants must demonstrate that their projects are positively impacting culture and community. Click here to learn more.        

Atomic Grant
Deadline: December 15, 2023

Atomic® Grants are for people who are passionate about making change happen, for themselves and others. - Click here to learn more  

Galaxy Grant

Deadline: December 16, 2023

Grant is to help women and minority entrepreneurs succeed throughout their small business journey by providing important resources, tools, funding, and knowledge - Click here to learn more

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Deadline: December 20, 2023

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal was created with and for small businesses, with a specific focus on helping diverse and under-resourced business owners - Click here to learn more

Women and Minority Business Owner Down Payment Grant (Bank of America)

Non-repayable grant is for up to $25,000 on SBA owner occupied commercial estate loans for business locations within select opportunity zones (Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles) Program may expand based on pilot. - Click here to learn more

YippityDoo Big Idea Grant ($15 application fee)

Each month, one $1000 grant is awarded to a woman, age 18 or over, in the US to invest in their Business or Idea. It can be used as a start up grant, marketing grant, operational grant or whatever you need to help you to the next level with your idea or business. $1,000 each month - Click here to learn more

Because Accelerator  - Deadline 1/26/2024

Because Accelerator is a business accelerator program designed to help entrepreneurs take their innovative products to the next level. - Click here to learn more

We want to hear from you! Have questions you want answered? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at editor@shegovsavvy.com or engage with us on social media using the hashtag #SheGovSavvy #SavvyGovSisters #SavvyTalk #SavvySisters

Free Resources

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Apex Accelerators

Women Business Centers

Veterans Business Centers

SCORE Mentor

ACRN Finder

Government Sites

SBA

SAM.GOV

FPDS

DIBBS