Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do
you offer online courses?
Answer: We
are so glad you asked. The Oklahoma Department of CareerTech
offers through our CareerTech Learning Network (CTLN) several tutorials
and training sessions for teachers, coordinators and students of the
CareerTech system. The Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network is
very excited to be adding several in a series to this learning
network. Our portal is located at
www.okbid.org.
Also
check out the CareerTech
Learning Network.
Question:
I need help
keeping my business going. Can you help me with overhead expenses?
Answer:
The short answer is no, but we can provide you with information
concerning business financing and training so that you can survive in
the peaks and valleys of your local economy. Visit or call your
technology center's Small Business Management
or Self-Employment Training coordinator to learn more.
Question: What
is a PTAC?
Answer:
PTAC stands for Procurement Technical
Assistance Center. PTACs are located across the nation and help
businesses in developing contracts with the military, other federal
agencies as well as the local and state governments. Training is
offered in researching and how to bid government contracts as well as
using up to date technology. Oklahoma has a PTAC known as
the Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network(OBAN).
Question: What
is the difference between the Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network and the
Small Business Administration?
Answer:
The Small Business Administration helps
businesses get started and write business plans that will attract
investors.
The Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network and other PTACs across the country
help established businesses that wish to market their products or
services to the various government agencies. Both the SBA and OBAN do
work together and share resources and knowledge.
Question:
On late night TV and talk shows; there
is a television commercial advertising a book that provides resources for
free government money. The Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network is
listed in this book. How and where do I get this money?
Answer:
Unfortunately we do not have a pot of
gold. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
nor the Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network does
not have money for start up businesses or to help businesses in
trouble. Would it not be nice if this were true? Your
local Technology Center's Small Business
Programs have information on financing
packages from the area banks and other resources. Just remember nothing in life is free.
Question: What is the government buying?
Answer: The government buys a wide variety of products and services for all of the
various agencies. It is recommended that you discover through your skills, likes/dislikes
what you sell to the government. The Bid Assistance Coordinators can set up a bid
matching profile with keywords that match what you have to sell. You need to
have a line of merchandise in place or the capability to fabricate/make the
item(s). Please contact the Bid Assistance Center, Small Business Management
Center or Self Employment Training office nearest you.
Question: I am
interested in starting my own business. How do I get started?
Answer:
Starting a business takes many
hours of preliminary thought and work. Most successful businesses are based
on the owner's expertise, interests and abilities. It is recommended that you research
business trends and the market to see what the "hot" items are. Your
local Small Business Management Consultants can help you in this area. You need to find
what it is that you like to do and that you are good at, find the market for it and excel
at it. The Self-Employment Coordinator or Small Business Management Coordinator in your
region will assist you in putting your business plan together.
Question:
Answer:
Question:
What kind of
grants or loans do you have that will help me get started in business?
Answer:
The Oklahoma Dept. of Career and
Technology Education and Technology Centers do not have grants or money available to loan
for business start-ups or continuing businesses. The local Technology Centers
Business Coordinators work with the funding resources in your area to give you the
information on acquiring your financial needs.
Question:
Answer:
Question:
What is CBITS?
Answer:
CBITS stands for Customized Business and Industry Training
Services.
This is a professional organization within the Oklahoma Association for
Career and Technology Education. The organization is for Business and Industry Coordinators of the CareerTech
system.
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