Why Now is the Moment (Your Moment) for Federal Contracting

We’re in a, dare we say, “unprecedented” time in our country’s history, where budgets are being slashed with little to no oversight, and federal funds are being frozen. While we’re all waiting for those same funds to be “unfrozen” per the Supreme Court, we stopped by the Michigan Business Network’s 2025 Speaker Series. Mike Hindenach, from the South Central Michigan APEX Accelerator, was chatting about…you guessed it, government contracting. 

So why in the world would anyone want to get into government contracting right now? Great question, reader. 

While things may seem (they absolutely are) in flux currently, the federal government is not going anywhere, and it will always spend money.

Use this time to get your act together so you’re ready to move into a space where in 2022, $24 billion was awarded in contracts, many to small businesses, just through this one APEX Accelerator.

Use the resources (there are a lot) our state offers to get yourself situated.

Why Explore Federal Contracting Now?

Even in times of uncertainty—maybe especially in times of uncertainty—the federal government remains one of the most reliable customers out there. Budgets may be frozen or slashed today, but they’ll eventually free up and flow. If you’re set up correctly when that happens, you’ll be positioned to snag contracts while your competitors are still playing catch-up. It’s a window of opportunity that only comes around during these “in-between” phases, making now the perfect time to carve out your space in the federal marketplace.

Know Your Strengths

Before you dive into the federal contracting world, make sure your business has a clear roadmap. Start by assessing your capabilities—know exactly what you can deliver and where you excel. Next, tap into local resources like APEX Accelerators and economic development agencies (start with MEDC); they’re here to guide you through requirements, registrations, and relationship-building. It’s about doing the homework now, so you’re ready to land contracts when new opportunities inevitably emerge.

What’s Next?

Despite the current chaos at the federal level, the government isn’t going anywhere—and it will continue to spend. That makes now the perfect time to position your business for upcoming opportunities. If you’re not sure where to start or which local resources can help, download our guide on standing out in this *ahem* interesting time, and reach out to one of the many Michigan APEX Accelerators.