On Wednesday, May 14, Space Connect brought together a group of construction business owners to uncover something many had never heard before—or never thought was within reach: the process to become a certified vendor for local government agencies.
Many small businesses—especially those from underserved communities—don’t know that they can compete for contracts with local agencies like school districts, counties, and cities. And even when they do hear about it, the process seems overwhelming and out of reach.
At Space Connect, we exist to change that.
During this session, attendees learned what it takes to move from informal operations to being fully qualified to work with public institutions. We explored licensing, legal documentation, bonding, and vendor registration—step by step, with clarity and guidance.
A huge thank-you to two voices who made this session especially impactful:
Claudia Mendoza, Contract Manager and CEO of I.Q. Constructions, who shared her lived experience as a certified small business owner.
“I won’t tell you it’s easy or hard—it’s a process. But now you have an ally: Space Connect.”
She also emphasized how certification places you in official directories that open the door to more visibility—and more contract opportunities—from both public and private organizations.
Nicolas Tarrago, a seasoned compliance specialist in public procurement, shared a behind-the-scenes look at what agencies look for when evaluating small vendors—and how preparation and proper documentation can make all the difference.
Through our membership program, Space Connect offers:
✅ Hands-on guidance through each phase of certification
✅ Support with registrations, documentation, bonding, and permits
✅ Connections to primes and procurement professionals
✅ A space to grow, be seen, and be supported
👉 Learn more about our step-by-step guidance program:
https://pages.thespaceconnect.com/certification-guidance-space-connect
✨ If you’ve ever doubted whether public contracts are for you—it’s time to rethink that.
You are ready. You deserve the opportunity. And we are here to walk beside you.
