Regional Small Business Utilization Center
From Readiness to Contract: Our Model
RSBUC operates under a formal subagreement with SMUD and a grant from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). These partnerships fund direct business development services — not informational resources — tied to real procurement outcomes.
Our four-step approach:
- Recruit and Assess Targeted outreach to identify businesses ready to grow. We prioritize contractors and subcontractors in construction, infrastructure, and clean energy.
- Build Readiness Workshops and one-on-one consulting focused on procurement readiness, certification, and financial and operational capacity.
- Connect to Opportunity Direct connections to SMUD contracting opportunities, public agency bids, and capital providers through our OpportunityLink platform.
- Support Through Execution Hands-on guidance on bid submission, contracting requirements, and long-term growth strategy.
SMUD SEED Program: Direct Pathways to Contracting
RSBUC holds a formal subagreement with SMUD to connect small businesses to contracting opportunities through the Supplier Education and Economic Development (SEED) program.
SMUD currently has over $20 million in bid opportunities available. Through our partnership, RSBUC clients gain:
- Direct referrals to SMUD’s active contracting opportunities
- Guidance on navigating SMUD’s procurement and bid process
- Support in meeting small business certification requirements
- Connection to SMUD buyers, primes, and project teams
- Access to SEED incentives designed to increase small business utilization
Being SEED-ready takes preparation. RSBUC provides that preparation — so your business is not just aware of opportunities but positioned to compete for them.
Upcoming Events and Workshops
A FREE Contracting Workshop! How to Do Business with SMUD
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 9:00am ONLINE
Convenient Online Teams Meeting
This workshop is hosted by SMUD’s Supplier Education and Economic Development (SEED) team and will provide you with the opportunity to learn about:
- SMUD’s contracting process
- Small-Business bid incentives
- Open and upcoming contracting opportunities
- How to connect with SMUD’s buying team
- Network with other potential vendors
- Gain valuable tips on the process
FREE Contracting Workshop: How to Do Business with SMUD
Details coming soon.
This workshop is hosted by SMUD’s Supplier Education and Economic Development (SEED) team and will provide you with the opportunity to learn about:
- SMUD’s contracting process
- Small-Business bid incentives
- Open and upcoming contracting opportunities
- How to connect with SMUD’s buying team
- Network with other potential vendors
- Gain valuable tips on the process
Proposal Writing 101
Details coming soon.
Get ready to:
- Learn key tips for winning contracts, whether you’re new or experienced
- Understand SMUD’s contracting process with clear and practical advice
- Review real examples of successful and unsuccessful proposals
- Avoid common mistakes and present strong, effective bids.
- Boost your confidence and skills with actionable best practices.
- Connect with fellow suppliers and grow your contracting network.
Small Business Certification Workshop
Details coming soon.
• Get your small business certification on-the-spot!
• Register in our contracting portal
• Learn how to qualify for our small business incentive program (SEED)
• Gain valuable information about the benefits of certification
• Network with other local businesses
Services for Contractor and Subcontractor
RSBUC provides targeted services for businesses ready to compete in public procurement and infrastructure contracting.
Services include:
- Procurement readiness training and workshops
- One-on-one consulting to strengthen capacity and competitiveness
- Certification support (DVBE, DBE, and others required for public contracting)
- Contract matchmaking through OpportunityLink
- Direct referrals to SMUD SEED and other active opportunities
- Access to capital — connections to SBA loans, CDFI microloans, and funding pathways
Services for Public Entities and Primes
Public entities and primes can access pre-qualified contractors and subcontractors in construction, infrastructure, and clean energy — businesses that have received training, consultation, and certification support through RSBUC.
Regional SBUC Membership $5,000
Membership includes:
- Access to a curated pool of contract-ready contractors and subcontractors
- Customized matchmaking through OpportunityLink and our subject matter expert network
- Recognition as a regional leader in inclusive procurement
Sponsors
