SBA helps socially disadvantaged business do business with the federal government

Trilogy Innovations, Inc., headquartered in Bridgeport, WV, was founded by Brandon Downey and Randy Cottle in 2010. The West Virginia natives own and operate the systems and software engineering company that now has more than 20 employees.

The U.S. Small Business Administration played an early role in the history of the business after the founders attended a presentation from the SBA West Virginia District Office on government contracting set-aside programs including the 8(a) program for socially disadvantaged business owners.

More than a decade later the two pursued the 8(a) program and connected with SBA West Virginia District Office Senior Area Business Opportunity Specialist, Melissa Loder. “Brandon and Randy asked all the right questions and followed through with all the right action steps to become 8(a) certified,” she said.  In May 2021 they entered the program and received two 8(a) set aside awards from the Department of Justice early in their program tenure.

Loder went on to say, “I was impressed with the drive, tenacity and willingness to get the job done,” stated Loder. “This led to their early success in the program.”

The 8(a) program is not the only SBA service that has led to the recent success at Trilogy. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Trilogy was able to secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan from First United Bank & Trust. The PPP loan removed the burden of worrying what the future held during a trying time and allowed Trilogy to retain all their employees. Trilogy’s PPP loan was fully forgiven in July of 2021.

While growing their small business is at the top of the to do list, Downey and Cottle also want to see West Virginia grow in the technology industry. To make this dream become a reality, they are hosting the inaugural Tech Yeah Conference in August this year. The Tech Yeah conference highlights the innovative companies in the mountain state and serves as a vessel to help other small businesses learn the path to success in the federal market. The U.S. Small Business Administrations’ West Virginia District Office will be in attendance to showcase the programs and services the agency has available to assist small businesses on their pathway to doing business with the federal government.