Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)

AtWork Systems empowers veteran-owned small businesses by providing an integrated, cloud-based platform designed to streamline operations, improve compliance, and drive growth—especially in government contracting. Its all-in-one solution helps manage finances, HR, contracts, timekeeping, and DCAA compliance, reducing the need for multiple disconnected systems. With built-in best practices and automation, veterans can focus more on mission-critical goals and less on administrative tasks. AtWork also offers tools to help these businesses scale effectively, meet regulatory requirements, and compete more successfully for federal contracts.

Launching Your Veteran-Owned Small Business

Transitioning from military service to launching a veteran-owned government contracting (GovCon) business involves understanding the GovCon landscape, creating a solid business foundation, and obtaining essential certifications such as SAM.gov registration and SDVOSB status.

AtWork Systems supports this journey with its OneLynk ERP platform, providing tools tailored to government contractors—including DCAA-compliant accounting and contract management—to help veteran entrepreneurs succeed in the competitive GovCon space.

Learn More About Starting Your VOSB: From Military Service to CEO: Launching Your Veteran-Owned Small Business

Key Systems and Processes for a GovCon Startup

Starting a government contracting (GovCon) business requires more than securing contracts—it demands robust systems for compliance, financial management, and cybersecurity. GovCon startups must implement structured operational workflows and project management tools to meet strict government requirements and ensure timely, compliant delivery. Effective project management supports contract compliance, resource allocation, and performance tracking, while financial systems must meet DCAA, FAR, and CAS standards for cost tracking, invoicing, and audit readiness.

Additionally, strong cybersecurity practices aligned with NIST 800-171 and CMMC are essential to protect sensitive government data and maintain contract eligibility. AtWork Systems offers an integrated platform tailored to GovCon startups, streamlining operations, automating compliance tasks, and enhancing security to help new businesses establish a strong foundation and thrive in the federal marketplace.

Learn More About GovCon Processes and Systems: Building the Foundation: Key Systems and Processes for a GovCon Startup

Navigating Government Compliance

Government contractors must prioritize compliance from the outset to maintain contracts, avoid penalties, and ensure long-term success. Common pitfalls—like poor documentation, misallocated costs, weak internal controls, and outdated procedures—can jeopardize audits and lead to serious consequences. Understanding and adhering to FAR and DFARS regulations is essential, particularly in areas like timekeeping, cybersecurity, and cost accounting. Building a strong compliance culture through employee training, leadership support, and consistent monitoring is key.

AtWork Systems offers an integrated ERP solution that helps contractors stay audit-ready with automated compliance tracking, secure data management, DCAA-compliant accounting, and effortless timekeeping and payroll—eliminating the stress of compliance and enabling business growth.

Learn More About Government Compliance: Navigating Government Compliance: Staying Audit-Ready from Day One

The Power of Partnerships

In the government contracting (GovCon) space, small businesses often struggle to scale, stay compliant, and compete with limited internal resources. Leveraging fractional resources—part-time experts who integrate into your team—offers a cost-effective, flexible solution to fill critical roles such as CFO, HR, legal, compliance, and business development. These professionals bring deep expertise, help bridge capability gaps, and enable rapid scaling without the financial burden of full-time hires. Strategic use of fractional staff can improve compliance, reduce risk, and boost profitability.

AtWork Systems supports this approach with its OneLynk platform, providing secure, integrated workflows that empower remote and fractional teams, ensure compliance, and drive operational efficiency. By combining fractional talent with the right technology, small GovCon firms can compete more effectively and grow smarter.

Learn More About Partnerships & Fractional Resources: The Power of Partnerships: Leveraging Fractional Resources for Growth

Winning Government Contracts

Winning government contracts can significantly transform small businesses, but navigating the procurement process requires strategy, preparation, and the right tools. Key to success are three core strategies: identifying the right contract opportunities by targeting those aligned with your capabilities and past performance; writing persuasive, compliant proposals tailored to agency needs; and building strong relationships with contracting officers and teaming partners through networking and early engagement.

AtWork Systems supports small businesses in this journey with an integrated ERP platform tailored for government contractors—offering tools for opportunity tracking, proposal management, DCAA compliance, collaboration, and real-time contract performance monitoring—empowering them to compete effectively and grow in the federal marketplace.

Learn More About Winning Government Contracts: Winning Government Contracts: Strategies for Small Business Success

Tech-Enabled Growth and ERPs

Government contractors looking to scale and stay competitive must go beyond basic operations by adopting efficient, compliant, and integrated systems—making an ERP solution essential. This article outlines when a GovCon business is ready for ERP—such as struggling with contract complexity, manual compliance tracking, data silos, or scaling challenges—and offers guidance on selecting the right system, emphasizing GovCon-specific features, compliance capabilities, scalability, and cloud accessibility. It also shares best practices for a successful implementation, including clear goal-setting, stakeholder engagement, phased rollouts, and expert guidance.

AtWork Systems’ OneLynk ERP, designed specifically for small to mid-sized government contractors, provides a modern, cloud-based, all-in-one platform to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and support growth, with hands-on support through the entire transition process.

Learn More About Implementing An ERP: Tech-Enabled Growth: When and How to Implement an ERP System

Financial Resilience

Government contracting offers strong growth opportunities, but it comes with unique financial challenges such as long procurement cycles, delayed payments, strict compliance requirements, and complex billing structures. To succeed, contractors must build financial resilience by managing cash flow disruptions, securing diverse funding sources, and implementing strategic planning. Options like invoice financing, government grants, SBIR/STTR programs, and SBA loans can help bridge financial gaps and support growth.

AtWork Systems’ OneLynk platform empowers government contractors with integrated tools for budgeting, billing, compliance, and project cost tracking, all designed to streamline financial management and ensure long-term sustainability in the GovCon space.

Learn More About Financial Resilience: Financial Resilience: Managing Cash Flow and Funding Growth

Scaling Smart

Scaling a small government contracting (GovCon) business requires a strategic and measured approach to avoid overextending resources. Key strategies include targeting niche markets, expanding professional networks, investing in technology, and forming strategic partnerships. Balancing prime and subcontracting roles is essential, as each offers unique benefits and risks; a diversified approach can provide both stability and growth. A sustainable hiring and retention strategy—focused on cultural fit, competitive compensation, and professional development—is also crucial.

AtWork Systems supports GovCon firms in scaling effectively by offering comprehensive HR, payroll, and compliance tools that streamline operations and reduce risk. With the right strategies and technology in place, small GovCon businesses can grow sustainably and successfully.

Learn More About Scaling Your GovCon Business: Scaling Smart: Expanding Your GovCon Business Without Overextending

Preparing for an Endgame

Planning a successful exit from your government contracting (GovCon) business requires strategic foresight, whether you're considering selling, merging, or passing it on through succession. Each option carries distinct advantages and challenges, and choosing the right path depends on your financial goals, vision, and business health. To ensure a profitable exit, it's critical to build enterprise value by streamlining operations, diversifying revenue streams, investing in technology, and retaining key talent. A smooth transition also involves preparing for due diligence, maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, engaging experienced advisors, and planning your post-exit involvement.

AtWork Systems supports GovCon businesses throughout the exit process with software and consulting solutions that enhance operational efficiency, financial transparency, and compliance—positioning your company for maximum value and a seamless transition.

Learn About GovCon Exit Strategies: Preparing for the Endgame: How to Plan a Successful Exit

Critical Lessons Learned

Veteran-owned businesses play a critical role in government contracting, bringing valuable military-honed skills such as discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking. However, succeeding in the complex GovCon landscape requires more than experience—it demands mastery of procurement processes, compliance, and financial management. This article shares real-life stories of veteran entrepreneurs who have learned from both successes and setbacks, highlighting that strong relationships, certifications, and financial planning are keys to success. Conversely, underestimating contract complexity, neglecting operations, and poor market research can lead to failure. Read actionable advice for new veteran-owned businesses: start small, leverage mentorship, utilize government programs, and adopt innovative tools.

AtWork Systems supports these entrepreneurs by offering scalable, integrated software solutions to automate back-office operations, enhance compliance, and streamline financial management—helping veterans focus on growth and service delivery in the competitive government contracting arena.

Learn More About Success and Pitfalls: Critical Lessons Learned: Success Stories and Pitfalls from Veteran-Owned GovCon Businesses