by Bob Francis, Fort Worth Report
September 5, 2026
Small and veteran-owned businesses looking to find their way into the sometimes complex world of government procurement could get a hand up this week.
The city of Fort Worth is hosting the Mission-Ready Small Business Contracting Summit, in partnership with Shoppa’s Material Handling and the Lone Star Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association.
The free event will provide practical information on navigating government contracting, including how to find opportunities, obtain certifications and submit competitive bids, according to the city.
It will be held in the Council Chambers at Fort Worth City Hall, 5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 9, and is open to small-business owners and veteran-owned businesses. Register here to attend.
“Our team continues to champion Fort Worth’s small and veteran‑owned businesses, helping them connect with opportunities to grow,” said Ori Fernandez, assistant director of the city’s economic development department.
This year, the department has made small‑business contracting opportunities a major priority, he said.
“Governments are always looking to purchase a wide range of products and services, and their contracts are often long term, which is great for small businesses looking to expand — and they can also open doors to other partnerships down the road,” said Fernandez.
A panel of industry experts will offer guidance on how government procurement systems work, how businesses can pursue contracting opportunities, what certifications may be required and how to submit competitive bids.
The event will also include a presentation from Ashley Farrier, director of the Office of Small Business Programs at U.S. Special Operations Command.
The city of Fort Worth has been working to engage more small and veteran-owned businesses in its own procurement efforts, including by working alongside local agencies to encourage small businesses to obtain a Small Business Enterprise certification as the first step in the process.
Quarterly SBE certification workshops are available, with classes coming up on Nov. 18 that will be presented in both English and in Spanish.
Robert Francis is business editor of the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at [email protected].
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