Business Readiness Scorecard

• Check the statements that are true today, not the ones you plan to be true.
• Each section scores itself as you go, so you can see where you stand.
• Your two lowest sections are your starting point, and the B.I.D. Academy is built to close exactly those gaps.

1. 01Mindset and Goals

   0 of 4 · Focus area
   • I can say, in one sentence, what my business does and who it is for.
   • I have written goals with dates attached, not just ideas in my head.
   • I set aside real time each week to work on the business, not only in it.
   • I am ready to hear what is missing without taking it personally.

   Start here. This is where the Academy can help you the fastest.

2. 02Business Foundation and Registration

   0 of 4 · Focus area
   • My business is registered with the State of Texas (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor, or other).
   • I have an EIN from the IRS.
   • I have a business bank account that is separate from my personal account.
   • I have a business address and contact information I use consistently.

   Start here. This is where the Academy can help you the fastest.

3. 03Certifications and Vendor Registration

   0 of 4 · Focus area
   • I know what the CMBL (Centralized Master Bidders List) is.
   • I know whether my business qualifies as a HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) and how to certify.
   • I understand the difference between selling to the state, a city or county, and the federal government.
   • I know which certifications fit my business and which are not worth my time.

   Start here. This is where the Academy can help you the fastest.

4. 04Financials and Pricing

   0 of 4 · Focus area
   • I know what it costs me to deliver my product or service.
   • I can price a job with confidence and explain how I got the number.
   • I keep my books current enough to know if I made money last month.
   • I could produce a basic financial record if an opportunity asked for one.

   Start here. This is where the Academy can help you the fastest.

5. 05Compliance and Insurance

   0 of 4 · Focus area
   • I have the licenses or permits my type of business requires.
   • I carry, or know what business insurance I would need, to take on contracts.
   • I understand that government work comes with rules and paperwork I have to follow.
   • I keep records in a way I could hand to someone else and defend.

   Start here. This is where the Academy can help you the fastest.

6. 06Brand and Market Presence

   0 of 4 · Focus area
   • I have a professional way for a buyer to find and contact me (website, profile, or listing).
   • My business name, look, and message are consistent wherever someone finds me.
   • I can clearly say what makes my business the right choice over someone else.
   • I have a capability statement, or I know what one is.

   Start here. This is where the Academy can help you the fastest.

7. 07Contracting Readiness

   0 of 4 · Focus area
   • I understand the difference between a prime contractor and a subcontractor.
   • I know I do not have to win a large contract to start. I can sub under someone who already holds one.
   • I know what a vendor readiness file is and why buyers want to see one.
   • I know where to look for open opportunities that fit my business.

   Start here. This is where the Academy can help you the fastest.

Your two lowest sections are your starting point. Every session of the B.I.D. Academy is built to close gaps like these, one piece at a time, until you have a complete vendor readiness file and you are ready to bid.