By: SBA Wyoming District Director Amy Lea

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently awarded the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network with a $2.5 million grant that will be used to implement the SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) in our state. This new program will help ensure Wyoming’s underserved small businesses, such as veteran-owned, women-owned, minority-owned, and rural business concerns receive the support they need to build resilience and emerge stronger in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CNPP, an American Rescue Plan initiative, functions on a “hub and spoke model.” The Wyoming SBDC Network, which receives funding from the SBA and the Wyoming Business Council, and is hosted by the University of Wyoming, serves as the centralized “hub” for the program and incorporates “spokes,” which are organizations that have built trust in their communities and act as “boots on the ground.” These spokes are tasked with connecting small businesses to resources such as financial assistance, access to capital, government contracting, marketing, exporting and more.

Wyoming has faced historic, unprecedented challenges over the last two years, and the CNPP will also help small business owners find trusted advisors ready to assist with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness applications, cash flow planning to aid in the repayment of emergency loans and adapting business plans to meet new challenges.

Economic diversification can’t happen without diversity of ideas, diversity of business owners, and diversity of entrepreneurial activity. This program provides a unique opportunity to not only assist the amazing members of these underrepresented communities, but also help them drive Wyoming’s economic growth through the 21st century.

“We’re excited to see this program roll out over the next two years, and we know it will help Wyoming’s small businesses access the tools and resources they’ll need to start, grow, expand and recover,” said SBA Wyoming District Office Director Amy Lea. “The Wyoming SBDC Network has always been a valued SBA partner, and I’m confident they – and Wyoming’s “spokes” – will do a fantastic job of carrying out the intent of this program and assisting the businesses who need it most.”

Wyoming’s “spokes” include Wyoming Library to Business, The Local Crowd, University of Wyoming Extension, Wind River Development Fund, Wyoming Smart Capital Network and the Wyoming Women’s Business Center. These organizations have an excellent track record of providing critical small business assistance across the state and, by connecting them for the CNPP, Wyoming’s entrepreneurs will be able to access an incredibly robust support system.

More information about the CNPP can be found at sba.gov/navigators. To learn more about how the program will be implemented in Wyoming, please visit wyomingcommunitynavigator.org.

(Amy Lea serves as the SBA’s Wyoming District Director based in Casper. She oversees the agency’s programs and services across the state)

Wyoming PTAC to Host Annual Contracting Conference March 8-10

Federal, state, and local governments spend millions of dollars every year to purchase products and services from small businesses in Wyoming. In federal fiscal year 2021, the federal government spent $350,375,458 on projects in Wyoming*.  Of this, $83,810,640 was awarded to Wyoming businesses.  Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs aren’t taking advantage of this potential market, which is constantly on the lookout for food, clothing, construction services and more. The government also routinely purchases items and services related to COVID-19.

The 2022 GRO-Biz Conference is the best chance for Wyoming small businesses to learn everything they need to know about government contracting.  This year’s virtual conference will deliver a robust offering of matchmaking, networking, and learning opportunities for Wyoming’s entrepreneurs.

Whether a business is new to the idea of selling their goods or services to the government or they’ve been working in contracting for years, here’s a quick look at the benefits of GRO-Biz:

• Meet with Contracting Officers: Procurement officers from all over the region have set aside time to speak with business owners virtually about government contracting opportunities for their small business.
• Multiple Breakout Sessions: The conference will feature multiple sessions to choose from, including topics focused on the basics of government contracting and others covering issues for more experienced contractors.
• Powerful Networking Opportunities: The GRO-Biz conference is an opportunity to connect with other small business owners, experts from multiple business resource organizations and government representatives.

This event is free, register now at www.wyomingsbdc.org.

Register Here

Who Needs an Export License?

What are you exporting: processed food, chemicals, equipment, or art?  While all items are subject to export control laws and regulations, not all items require an export license.  An export license is a government document granting the seller permission to conduct a specific export transaction.  According to the U.S. International Trade Administration, only 5% of export items require an export license. 

As an exporter, you need to do your due diligence to ensure your shipment does not require an export license by checking which agency regulates your product.  Most U.S. exports will be licensed through the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS Website (doc.gov). BIS administers the Export Administration Regulations or EAR which control exports related to national security, crime control, anti-terrorism, or items in short supply.  Check the EAR’s Commerce Control List (Commerce Control List (CCL) (doc.gov) to find out if your product is subject to the EAR and has an Export Control Classification Number or ECCN. 

Be aware that your product might not be restricted, but you might be barred from doing business with various individuals or organizations.  The Consolidated Screening List or CLS (Consolidated Screening List (trade.gov) lists “parties for which the United States Government maintains restrictions on certain exports.”  U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control or OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control – Sanctions Programs and Information | U.S. Department of the Treasury) also lists “persons, entities and corporation subject to trade restrictions.” Examples include sanctions on various governments, such as North Korea, certain organizations like the Iraqi Republican Guard under Saddam Hussein.

Other export licensing agencies include the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (Home – DDTC Public Portal (state.gov), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Reactor License Renewal | NRC.gov), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Export Certification FAQs | FDA). 

At this point, you probably have a lot of questions.  Your next step should be investigating training options through the BIS website (smallbiz (doc.gov). A January 2022 webinar entitled Complying with U.S. Export Controls will explain items subject to the EAR, how to determine your goods’ export requirements, and how to apply for an export license Complying with U.S. Export Controls Registration (eventsair.com).  Another resource is the U.S. Commercial Service (Colorado Denver (trade.gov) whose international trade specialists can help you find answers to your questions. 

If your exported products need an export license, contact the governing agency.  Information, training, and personnel are available to guide you through the regulations so you can export with confidence. 

Patty Brewer is an Export Finance Manager with the SBA’s Office of International Trade.  Her territory includes Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.  She can be reached at 720-556-4664 or patricia.brewer@sba.gov. 

SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Open Hour Initiative

This monthly conference call is for certified firms and firms that aspire to be certified in the 8(a) Business Development Program. The Office of Business Development is hosting its open hour “Straight Talk!” on the 8(a) Business Development (8(a) BD) Program.  Whether a firm is thinking about applying to the 8(a) BD Program or having been certified into the program or just have general questions about the 8(a) BD program, please join us.

The Purpose: To provide small businesses with a direct line to SBA 8(a) BD employees who can answer questions and provide information relative to 8(a) Business Development Program’s benefits and eligibility requirements for 8(a) certification.  

Program Schedule:  Third Wednesday each month from 2pm to 2:30pm ET 

Call in information: Note: not intended to be a video call, but only a conference call. 

Public can access event by audio only

+1 202-765-1264,,217121169# United States, Washington DC

Phone Conference ID: 217 121 169#