After a lot of hard work I’m very pleased to announce that PublicSpend is now live! Check it out here. Below is a copy of our launch announcement:
PublicSpend Launches New Website That Uses Government Data To Help Buyers Find The Best Companies To Do Business With In Their Area
Launching in Florida with more than 2,200 Government Certified Vendors across 25 different business categories, PublicSpend enables buyers to search for the companies that their local government agencies have already qualified
MIAMI, FL – June 16, 2009 – It’s rare to find a company that is as rigorous at selecting whom it purchases from as a federal, state or local government agency. Yet despite government’s efforts to be as open and transparent as possible, it’s way too difficult to find out which vendors they have already qualified. With so many independent agencies – from a federal or state department to a local county, city, or school board – the data is spread across thousands of different places. PublicSpend, which launched across Florida today, is the first website dedicated to centralizing in one searchable place every certified government vendor. Now buyers are able to piggyback off of government’s work by finding local businesses that have already been qualified by the largest customer in town.
“Due to its unique position government works hard to make sure that the public’s money is spent with only the most responsive and responsible vendors but very few people know how to take advantage of this” said Stuart Lander, Founder and CEO of PublicSpend. “Our research uncovered that only 17% of certified government vendors actually have their own web presence. These are some of the brightest small businesses in America but until today no one could easily find them. PublicSpend will ensure these companies are more accessible online and at the same time help government agencies pursue their goal of total transparency.”
For certified government vendors, PublicSpend provides a simple yet powerful way to promote their business using a variety of free web-based tools, including:
- Online Listing – In only a few minutes vendors can create a strong web presence where they can post dynamic information about their business
- Qualification Management – Vendors can manage all of their government qualifications and certification renewals from a unique account center
With more than 2,200 companies already listed on PublicSpend, the site has got off to the best possible start. “Winning work with government is some of the most difficult business you can secure” said Karmen Burn, General Manager of Landscape Service Professionals, one of PublicSpend’s featured vendors. “The selection criteria and process is exhaustive but at last PublicSpend can help us broadcast our successes to a wider audience without the need for any expensive technology or marketing investment.”
While coverage is initially limited to Florida, any certified government vendor can sign up regardless of their location. PublicSpend intends to expand into more states in the coming months.
Are You A Certified Government Vendor?
PublicSpend is a community of the most credible local businesses in the United States. If you work for government or have a current government certification - federal, state or local - then you should be registered as a PublicSpend Vendor. Buyers are increasingly using PublicSpend as their first port of call to find qualified vendors. Make sure you can be found!
