SBB, NPTAB train 115 small businesses in bid preparation for Govt contracts

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) on Friday hosted a training session on bid document preparation, targeting small businesses seeking to access Government contracts. The session, held on February 13 was organised in collaboration with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and the World Trade Centre (WTC) Georgetown. A total of 115 small businesses participated. According to the SBB, the training guided participants through key stages of the tendering process, including how to interpret bid documents, meet compliance requirements and structure submissions. The session focused on practical exercises aimed at improving participants’ ability to prepare responsive bids.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBB, Mohamed Shazim Ibrahim, said strengthening procurement readiness among small businesses is critical. “Access to Government contracts can significantly transform small enterprises. By equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge to prepare compliant and competitive bids, we are expanding their opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability,” he stated. Participant Robert Forrester said the session provided clarity on common challenges in bid preparation. “They gave us a very comprehensive overview of the things and the pitfalls that you need to look for in the bid preparation process, especially when you are dealing with compliance, how it’s structured. You need to ensure that you fulfil all relevant documents,” Forrester said. The initiative forms part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through training, market access and capacity building. The SBB said it will continue to pursue partnerships aimed at increasing small business participation in public procurement.