251: Unlocking Federal Opportunities with the SBA Mentor Protégé Program with Kanika Perkins

Today’s show was brought to you by our sponsor Encore Funding. Have you or someone you know recently been awarded a government contract and cannot secure funding? Encore Funding has your back, with a recently launched Government division they are funding your receivables so you can just focus on the work. Visit encoregov.com for more information on how to get the money you need to continue growing your business. In this episode, we dive deep into the SBA Mentor Protégé Program, a transformative initiative for small businesses eager to dominate the federal marketplace. I’m joined by Kanika Perkins, a powerhouse with over 16 years of federal service. As a former contracting officer and now the deputy director of this groundbreaking program, Kanika shares insights into how over 1,900 active agreements are unlocking billions of dollars in opportunities for small businesses nationwide. Kanika was introduced to me by none other than Jackie Robinson Burnett, another legend on this show. Together, we explore the strategic moves small businesses need to scale—like avoiding costly mistakes, building capacity, and forming the right partnerships. Whether you’re trying to turn $200K in revenue into multi-million-dollar contracts or simply understand how to maximize your federal contracting potential, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Tune in to uncover the secrets to thriving in the federal marketplace! Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaperkins2008/  SBA Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-small-business-administration/ Website: https://www.sba.gov/   Email: [email protected]