There are over 80 different government supports available to small businesses but many of them are not well known or understood. Each week in the SFA e-zine, we will profile a different support that could improve your business, giving you information and advice.

Go-2-Tender Programme

What?

Subsidised training for SMEs to help them to bid for public sector contracts in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Introduction to Tendering seminars are aimed at those new to public sector tendering or have limited knowledge/experience. They are free, half-day seminars targeted at micro-enterprises (less than 10 employees) and the content is focused on low value / below threshold opportunities. 

The more advanced Go-2-Tender workshops are delivered by experienced bid specialists and provide the necessary skills to bid for public sector contracts north or south of the border. They are ideal for those with some tendering experience who want to bring their skills to the next level and improve their success rate. The workshops are spread over two days with an additional half day of mentoring offered to each participating company. Companies are eligible for two extra days of mentoring to focus on internal systems / processes and potential bids. The cost for the workshop and mentoring is €100 per participant.

Why? 

The all-island procurement market is worth over €12 billion annually. It represents an untapped market for many small companies. In recent years, the government has endeavoured to make public procurement opportunities more accessible to small and indigenous firms. A large part of this is through developing confidence, knowledge and practical tendering skills in those companies.

How? 

The 2017 schedule of Introduction to Tendering and Go-2-Tender workshops has been announced and there are a large number of sessions to choose from around the island of Ireland (click on the links below).

Companies can register for Introduction to Tendering via the InterTradeIreland website.

Companies can download an application form for the Go-2-Tender workshops via the InterTradeIreland website.  

Tips

If you are interested in applying, don’t forget:

• Go-2-Tender workshops tend to book up quickly, so submit your application form as early as possible
• The two days of the Go-2-Tender workshops are non-consecutive – they are usually scheduled two weeks apart
• Mentoring with the Go-2-Tender workshop is optional, but highly recommended
• For more information, visit www.intertradeireland.com/tendersuccessfully/ .