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Indy Chamber Helps Small Business Grow with Procurement Roundtables

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 18:19 GMT by WISH-TV
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Small‑Business Growth Through Procurement Roundtables: How the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is Bridging the Gap Between Local Enterprises and Government Contracts

The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has been spotlighting a new initiative that could transform the way small‑business owners in Indiana approach federal, state, and municipal procurement opportunities. In a feature article published on the local news network WISh TV, the Chamber’s “procurement roundtables” are presented as a hands‑on, collaborative forum where local enterprises can learn, network, and ultimately secure government contracts that have traditionally been dominated by larger firms.

The Core Concept: Roundtables as Knowledge Hubs

At the heart of the initiative are the roundtable sessions, each lasting approximately two hours and designed to provide small‑business owners with a deep dive into the procurement process. During these meetings, a mix of seasoned procurement specialists—often government procurement officers—share real‑world insights about what agencies are looking for in proposals, how to read a request for proposal (RFP) with the eyes of a vendor, and strategies for crafting competitive bids without sacrificing quality or compliance.

The sessions also feature a “market‑match” component. In this part of the roundtable, participants are paired with larger firms that are already successful in government contracting and are in need of local partners or subcontractors. The goal is to create a two‑way exchange: small businesses gain access to larger projects while large firms diversify their supplier base with fresh local talent.

Success Stories Highlighted

One of the standout stories in the article is that of “Miller Manufacturing,” a 12‑employee company that produces custom metal parts for state transportation projects. Miller’s owner, Carlos Miller, says that attending a roundtable helped him understand how to structure his bid to meet specific evaluation criteria that the Transportation Department was seeking. “We got a win on a $750,000 contract last year that we wouldn’t have even considered before,” Miller recounts. He credits the ICC for not just giving him the knowledge but also connecting him with a large engineering firm that was looking for local subcontractors.

Another anecdote comes from a tech startup, “DataLink Solutions,” that provides data analytics services to municipal governments. DataLink’s founder, Priya Nair, explains that the roundtable helped her navigate the nuances of cybersecurity compliance—a major hurdle for many small firms. After the session, DataLink was able to secure a contract with the Indianapolis Department of Water and Power, marking the company’s first government partnership.

The Role of Partnerships

The ICC’s procurement roundtables are not a standalone effort. The Chamber has formed strategic alliances with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Department of Health, and the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC). These partners provide both content expertise and access to a broader network of potential clients. For instance, INDOT’s procurement director, John Martinez, was quoted in the article saying, “Our goal is to create a pipeline of qualified local suppliers who can meet the quality and regulatory standards of our projects.” Martinez noted that the Chamber’s format—combining education, networking, and matchmaking—was a fresh approach to workforce development within the procurement ecosystem.

How the Roundtables Work

The article explains the step‑by‑step flow of a typical roundtable:

1. Introduction & Objectives: The facilitator, usually a senior procurement officer or a Chamber executive, outlines the day’s agenda and clarifies learning outcomes.
2. Deep‑Dive Workshops: Small groups tackle specific topics—such as writing a “cost and price analysis,” understanding the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), or mastering e‑Bidding platforms like SAM.gov.
3. Q&A & Case Study Review: Participants bring real RFPs or past bids to the table for collective critique, allowing them to see where they might improve.
4. Matchmaking Session: Using a pre‑event survey that assesses each participant’s capabilities, the facilitator pairs small‑business owners with larger firms that are actively seeking local partners.
5. Follow‑Up & Support: After the roundtable, the Chamber assigns a “contract development liaison” who remains on the sidelines, providing guidance on the next steps for each participant.

Resources and Additional Support

In addition to the roundtables, the article points readers toward a range of online resources hosted by the Chamber. A dedicated portal offers downloadable templates for proposals, checklists for compliance, and a schedule of upcoming procurement events. There is also a mentoring program that matches experienced contractors with novices, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

For small‑business owners looking to participate, the article provides a direct link to the Chamber’s event registration page, where attendees can sign up for upcoming sessions, view the agenda, and access pre‑reading materials. A link to the Chamber’s procurement overview page is also included, giving readers a more in‑depth look at the procurement ecosystem in Indiana, including typical contract sizes, agency priorities, and timelines.

The Bigger Picture: Economic Impact

The article contextualizes the roundtables within a broader economic strategy. According to data shared by the Chamber’s director of economic development, the procurement market in Indiana is expected to grow by 7% annually over the next five years. Small‑business participation is key to realizing that growth, both because of the sheer number of small firms and because of their ability to quickly adapt to niche market demands. By offering these roundtables, the ICC is not only providing immediate skill development but also fostering a more resilient local supply chain.

How to Get Involved

Readers are encouraged to check the Chamber’s website for upcoming dates and to register for the next roundtable session. The article highlights that early registration is recommended due to limited seating, as the Chamber aims to keep the groups small—usually 15–20 participants—to ensure meaningful interaction and individualized feedback.

Conclusion

The procurement roundtables organized by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce represent a strategic, community‑centric effort to democratize access to government contracting opportunities. By combining education, networking, and matchmaking, the initiative has already helped small businesses like Miller Manufacturing and DataLink Solutions secure sizable contracts that can significantly boost their growth trajectories. With robust partnerships across state agencies and a comprehensive support framework, the ICC’s roundtables set a promising example for how local chambers can act as catalysts for small‑business success in the procurement arena.