USFCR just announced $22 million in Contract Readiness Capital at the Defense Leadership Forum's Navy and Coast Guard Contracting Summits. The program removes the biggest barrier keeping small businesses from federal contracting success: the upfront investment required to get contract-ready.
"We are doubling down on our commitment to help small businesses win in government contracting," said Eric Knellinger, President and Founder of USFCR. The announcement, covered by FOX 5 San Diego and CBS 42, signals a major expansion of financing options for contractors who have the capability to win federal work but lack the capital to prepare properly.
Here's what that means for your business.
What Contract Readiness Capital Actually Does
Contract Readiness Capital is a financing program that spreads federal contracting investments over 24 to 36 months. Instead of paying thousands upfront for certifications, registrations, and consulting services, you make manageable monthly payments while your business keeps operating normally.
Here's what makes this different from traditional financing:
It builds your business credit: Every payment reports to Dun & Bradstreet. Prime contractors and federal agencies check D&B scores before awarding contracts and subcontracts. You're building the credit history they want to see while getting the certifications they require.
It covers everything you need: SAM registration with annual renewal included, Set-aside certifications: (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone), Simplified Acquisition Program, GSA Schedule preparation, CMMC Level 1 compliance, marketing analysis, capability statements, past performance documentation, subcontracting profiles, and access to the USFCR contracts database.
Why USFCR Launched This Program Now
The announcement came at the Defense Leadership Forum's Coast Guard and Navy Contracting Summits, with coverage from outlets including FOX 5 San Diego and CBS 42.
"We are doubling down on our commitment to help small businesses win in government contracting," said Eric Knellinger, President and Founder of USFCR.
The timing matters. Federal budgets just reset for FY 2026. Agencies are releasing new contract opportunities. Small business set-aside goals are driving procurement officers to find qualified contractors. The opportunities are there, but businesses that can't afford to get contract-ready miss them.
USFCR has helped over 300,000 businesses position for federal contracting success. Our clients have won over $1.5 billion in federal contracts in 2025 alone. We've watched too many capable companies stall out because of capital constraints, not capability gaps.
Contract Readiness Capital fixes that problem directly.
Who This Program Works For
Contract Readiness Capital is designed for small businesses that meet basic qualification criteria:
You have an established business: This isn't startup funding. You need an operating business with revenue history.
You're serious about federal contracting: This investment makes sense for companies committed to pursuing government contracts, not businesses exploring options casually.
Cash flow matters to your operations: If paying thousands upfront would strain your business, spreading that investment over 24 to 36 months changes the equation completely.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Here's the calculation most business owners don't make: every month you delay getting contract-ready is a month you can't compete for opportunities.
Federal agencies release new contract opportunities every day. Set-aside contracts specifically reserved for certified small businesses go to contractors who are ready to bid. If you're still gathering documents while your competitors are submitting proposals, those opportunities go to someone else.
USFCR has helped over 300,000 businesses position for federal contracting success. Our clients have won over $1.5 billion in federal contracts in 2025 alone. The pattern we see consistently: businesses that invest in getting contract-ready sooner compete for more opportunities than businesses that wait for perfect timing.
Monthly Contract Readiness Capital payments are a fraction of what a single small business set-aside contract is worth. The real cost isn't the payment. It's the contract revenue you're not competing for while you wait.
The businesses winning federal contracts right now aren't necessarily more capable than you. They just got ready while you were waiting for the timing to feel perfect.
How to Get Started
Contract Readiness Capital includes a pre-approval process. USFCR evaluates your business situation, determines which services make sense for your federal contracting goals, and structures a payment plan that works for your cash flow.
No commitment to apply. No cost to see if you qualify. Just a straightforward conversation about whether this approach makes sense for your business.
The federal market isn't waiting. Your payment plan can work with you instead of against you.
Speak to a USFCR Registration & Contracting Specialist: Call (877) 252-2700
FAQ View full FAQ page
How is Contract Readiness Capital different from a business loan?
Contract Readiness Capital is a services agreement, not a loan. There's no personal guarantee and no lien on your business. Payments report as trade credit to Dun & Bradstreet, which builds your credit profile rather than showing as debt liability.
What services does Contract Readiness Capital cover?
The program covers SAM registration with annual renewal, set-aside certifications 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone), GSA Schedule preparation, CMMC Level 1 compliance, marketing analysis, capability statements, past performance documentation and subcontracting profiles.
How long are the payment terms?
Payment terms range from 24 to 36 months depending on the services included and your business situation.
Does this program build business credit?
Yes. Every payment reports to Dun & Bradstreet, building the business credit history that prime contractors and federal agencies check before awarding contracts.
What if I don't win any contracts?
Federal contracting success depends on many factors including your capabilities, market positioning, and how actively you pursue opportunities. But even if contract wins take time, you still get SAM registration that's good for life, certifications that open doors beyond federal (state, local, corporate supplier diversity), business credit that helps with everything from equipment leasing to insurance rates, and training that makes you a better business owner regardless.
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