A Fort Lauderdale-based startup launched an online training platform to teach minority-led and women-owned small businesses how to navigate the public procurement process.
GovLia Academy went live last month as a subscription-based platform for businesses to access on-demand courses and resources to increase government contracting success. This is an extension of GovLia, a free online marketplace founded in 2017 that aims to level the playing field for minority-, veteran- and women-owned small businesses to more easily secure lucrative government contracts that can help them grow.
“We created GovLia Academy for businesses to have the opportunity to really take the time to learn about the [government contracting] process,” said Shakeia Kegler, CEO of GovLia.
The training platform launched last month with 35 students to date. The service offers users an option with unlimited videos and resources for about $299 and another option at $599, which includes the opportunity to chat with an expert who can answer questions directly as needed.
Videos provide training on federal contracting at the state and local levels. Others teach companies how to obtain certifications as a small business and write proposals for contract bids.
“We want to make sure that these small businesses are not only out there, but that they are qualified and ready to do work,” Kegler said.
During the pandemic, Kegler focused on rolling out the training platform sooner than planned because she felt small businesses could use government contracting to recover from the economic fallout of Covid-19.
The training platform itself, however, crystallized with the help of a mentor from the EndeavorLab, Kegler said. GovLia was one of ten companies selected for a two-month program for Black entrepreneurs supported by Endeavor Miami.
“Through my mentor, I was really able to resurface the idea of the training portal and realize the focus of it,” she said.
Currently a team of seven, GovLia is looking to expand. The company is hoping to bring on a sales manager who can help with growth and marketing efforts.
The company is hoping to expand outreach and engagement efforts with the launch of a podcast in September called Government Coins. Kegler will co-host the show to dispel myths about government contracting. The show will be available on YouTube and other streaming platforms.
“We are creating content for training and podcasts without needing the government to post contracting opportunities on our platform,” she said. “This allows us to operate without having to depend on the other side of the marketplace.”
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