Nine Pennsylvania small businesses have completed the Department of General Services’ Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP), concluding a year-long partnership that paired emerging businesses with experienced mentors to strengthen their competitiveness for Commonwealth contracting opportunities.
The program helps small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses build the relationships, knowledge, and experience needed to successfully compete in Pennsylvania’s procurement process.
“Strong businesses build strong communities,” said Acting DGS Secretary Sandra Aguilera. “The Mentor-Protégé Program helps more small companies compete for the Commonwealth’s business. When more qualified companies compete, taxpayers get better value for every dollar we spend on their behalf, businesses see more opportunities to expand, and communities across Pennsylvania benefit.”
The Mentor-Protégé Program continues to produce measurable results for participating businesses. Numerous graduating protégés have been successful in securing Commonwealth contracts and have credited MPP with expanding their access to procurement opportunities and reported significant business growth as a result of the mentoring relationships and training provided through the program.
“We have already increased our business volume by $5 million, which is a significant achievement,” said Debbie Sampson, Owner of Quality Patient Centered Services, LLC. “Overall, the progress we have made demonstrates that our strategic goals are moving in the right direction and that the work we are doing is creating meaningful growth and stability for QPCS.”
